Johan Ackermann has confirmed that he will be leaving the Lions after Super Rugby to join English club Gloucester.

Ackermann has been mulling over whether or not to accept the offer for the last few weeks, but on Monday it was revealed that he will be making the move away from the Johannesburg-based franchise.

Despite robust discussions over the past few weeks as the Lions desperately sought to retain the services of Ackermann, he has ultimately decided to take up what is believed to be a lucrative offer.

Ackermann will replace former Brumbies coach Laurie Fischer, while it’s believed that current Lions assistant coach Swys de Bruin is the likely candidate to take over from Ackermann.

‘I would be disappointed if anyone doubted my integrity and commitment to the Lions [until the end of the season],’ he commented at a press conference at Ellis Park. ‘It was quite an emotional time to tell the players this morning. They are more than just players to me, I owe it to them and to the union to be 100% committed until the end of the season.

‘My journey elsewhere will only start once the job is done here,’ he added.

More to follow

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images