Sharks coach Kevin Putt has announced that lock Johann Ackerman will be training with the Sharks after being released from the Cats squad.
The 33 year old former Springbok Lock (he played in eight Tests between 1996 and 2001) turned out for Griquas last season, where his career underwent a major rejuvenation. He has 24 Super 12 caps to his name, having representing the Cats and Bulls, and has played Currie Cup rugby for the Blue Bulls, Lions and Griquas.
During the 2001/02 rugby season he plied his trade in the UK, turning out for Northampton, and making his debut for Griquas last year.
Explaining Ackerman’s move, Sharks coach Kevin Putt admitted that ”We have a lack of depth at lock, and Johan will bring in something extra.
”There are probably none stronger in the country than Ackerman, and when we played Griquas in the Currie Cup last year, everyone admitted that he was the biggest individual in their team” said Putt, adding that ”he was their main strike force upfront.”
Singing the praises of the former Bok lock, Putt spoke glowingly of Ackerman’s work rate, calling him an ”honest, physical toiler — a true grafter.”
Putt was informed by Cats coach Tim Lane that Ackerman had been released from their training camp. The Cats had a number of quality locks with Ackerman, Jannes Labuschagne, Kleinjan Tromp, Gerrie Britz, Boela du Plooy and Gordon Gilfillan all competing for places in the 30 man squad.
There were some surprises when Lane cut six players from his squad last week, including Ackerman. The other five are former captain Russell Winter, Springboks Delarey Du Preez (hooker) and Friedrich Lombard (wing), James van der Walt and SA U21 lock Gordon Gilfillan who was signed from Western Province at the end of last season but has not made the Super 12 cut.
Ackerman, at 1,97 metres tall and weighing 112kg will bolster the Sharks tight-five, creating a formidable force in the coming Super 12.
The Sharks 2004 Super 12 squad will officially be named on January 15th. – Sapa