Bulls want Ackermann as head coach - reports

GLOUCESTER have turned down an approach for head coach Johan Ackermann, according to reports in South Africa.

The Blue Bulls want to speak to Ackermann to replace director of rugby John Mitchell but have been rebuffed, according to Netwerk24.com

South African Ackermann still has more than 18 months left of his contract with Gloucester having joined on a threeyear deal in the summer of 2017. Former New Zealand head coach Mitchell left the Bulls at the end of the Super Rugby season to take up his role as England defence coach. The South African province have stepped up their search for his replacement and have reportedly had an approach for Johann van Graan turned down by Munster. Former Springboks lock Ackermann started his playing career at the Pretoria based Blue Bulls. The 48-year-old made his name as a coach at their rivals, the Lions, where he ironically replaced Mitchell as head coach in 2013.

He oversaw their immediate return to Super Rugby and they reached back-to-back finals before his departure.

Ackermann led Gloucester to a seventh place in the Premiership and the European Challenge Cup final in his first season , while they sit fourth after six games of the current season.

The Bulls finished bottom of the South African conference in the 2018 Super Rugby season.

Gloucester are yet to comment on the reports.