As the Western Province team grapples with on-field challenges in the Currie Cup, the Stormers are gearing up with gusto for the upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Among the new faces at the Stormers is Ruan Ackermann, who has thrown himself into Cape Town life and the team’s ethos with enthusiasm.
Ruan, the progeny of Vodacom Bulls coach Johann Ackermann, has voiced his excitement about joining the Stormers. The thrill of teaming up with Evan Roos, a dynamic Springbok, is evident.
"Evan has been playing really good rugby since he made his debut for the Stormers. It’s difficult to believe that he’s still so young. He can still achieve a lot,"
Ackermann remarked. He believes their playing styles will mesh well, with Roos bringing the explosive force and himself adding a different flavor to the mix."We’ll complement each other well. He’s very good in the loose and has explosive power. I’m maybe not the most explosive player, but I have other qualities. It’ll be good to have a conversation with him to find out what his views are. That’s how you learn to get to know each other."
The competition for a slot in the Stormers' loose-trio is fierce, with talents like Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Louw Nel, Paul de Villiers, and veteran Deon Fourie all vying for a place alongside Ackermann and Roos. Yet, Ackermann remains unfazed about where he fits into the lineup, maintaining a flexible attitude. "It’s still a conversation I’m having with Dobbo [Coach John Dobson] to find out where his head is at. Ultimately, you want to do your best no matter where you play," he shared.
Ackermann is also relishing his new life in Cape Town. The move, he claims, was the right decision for him and his family, drawn by the city's vibrant rugby culture and the strategic location of the stadium. "It was a case of I wanted to be in Cape Town. I like the location of the stadium and the fact that the Cape Town rugby public is so passionate about the team. I’ve always been leaning more towards Cape Town," he explained.
The Stormers are set to launch their URC campaign with a high-octane clash against defending champions Leinster at the Cape Town Stadium on September 26th. With the likes of Ackermann and Roos gearing up, the team is hoping to make a strong impact right from the whistle.