Johan Ackermann drops big hint on future with podcast admission

Johan Ackermann admits that he wants to move back to South Africa when his contract with Japanese outfit Urayasu D-Rocks runs out next year.

The former Lions and Gloucester boss, talking on the To the Last Drop podcast, said that he has taken a step back from day-to-day involvement in coaching the Japan League One outfit and is now consulting and mentoring.

He misses South Africa and would like to return to South Africa but is open-minded about where he wants to work and would even consider a move back to Europe if there wasn’t anything available in his homeland.

Ackermann, a former Springbok international, would also look at a move into international rugby, which he says is something that has interested him for a long time.

“There is a part of me that really misses South Africa, and hopefully, in a year's time, I can leave them (Urayasu D-Rocks) in a good space.

“Only time will tell where I go but there is a big part of me that longs to coach the way I want to coach and build relationships with players.

“And because I’ve got 10 months left on my contract, I haven’t really spoken to anybody. My house is in Pretoria, but I’ve got no preference.

“Obviously, all the teams did well last season, and the coaches did well. I’m under no illusion. Will there be an opportunity? I don’t know.

“Maybe I could stay in Japan just at another club or go back to Europe if the opportunity is there. But I feel I can make a big difference in South Africa.

“In South Africa, players love to carry out instructions. You know what you get, and it’s a question of tapping into the talent, but it’s obviously about opportunity.

“International rugby is a level I’d love to experience. Again, if that opportunity comes up, I’ll consider it,” said Ackermann.