Ackermann, Lions keep us all waiting

On Thursday Johan Ackermann was asked the awkward question (again) whether he’s leaving the Lions to go and coach English club Gloucester.

Rudolf Straeuli, the union’s chief executive, was sitting at the back during the press conference and immediately spoke up: “We’re only discussing that after the game (against the Sharks) on Saturday.”

That would suggest Ackermann has made up his mind.

The Lions are merely waiting for the goodwill of a victory to announce the bad news.

Imagine how awkward it will be if they lose?

But here’s the thing: we should be happy if he goes. Okay, maybe not happy.

Let’s rather say it’s the best way of getting something good out of a bad situation.

Except for making him coach of South Africa “A” for two matches every year, the South African Rugby Union (Saru) clearly has no intention of making him part of the national set-up.

And it’s also been previously alleged that Ackermann wasn’t too keen either, though that’s rather weird.

Regardless, it’s a good thing if the Lions mentor decides to expand his horizons.

He’s been at the Lions for six years. Ackermann can boast a Currie Cup title and his side being Super Rugby runners-up.

In 2017 he has enough continuity and experience in his squad to go one better in this year’s campaign – before he leaves, presumably.

Local rugby is experiencing a dearth of experienced coaches at the moment.

They’ve either been disillusioned by the powers-that-be or they’ve found opportunities that are less demanding and more lucrative.

It leaves South African rugby in a tight but simple situation.

They simply have to promote the new breed of coaches and deal with the growing pains – the Bulls are the most vivid example.

There’s no other way of cultivating new coaching depth.

Ackermann represents the next phase. He can go to Gloucester, experience a new challenge and gain new insights.

It is, theoretically, exactly the way South Africa can improve the experience gap among its coaches.

However, the key is that Saru be prepared to welcome back a guy like Ackermann when he’s completed his “apprenticeship” overseas.

What use is he to our rugby if he doesn’t come back eventually?