Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Lions coach Johan Ackermann has assured fans that he is fully committed to the Johannesburg franchise and not interested in moving to Japan.
It was reported earlier this week that the Lions will struggle to keep Ackermann in South Africa after next year's Rugby World Cup, with the former Springbok lock reportedly receiving a big-money offer from a Japanese club.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union dismissed the rumours, with CEO Rudolf Straeuli saying the coach had extended his contract until October 31, 2016.
Ackermann on Thursday revealed that he still needed to put pen to paperregarding the contract extension, but that he intended to do so.
"I have agreed to continue coaching the team. It (the contract) just needs to be ratified," Ackermann told Netwerk24.
He also revealed that the interest from Japan was nothing more than"politeinquiries".
"I think the teams from Japan were just curious to see if I would be available."
Under the coaching tutelage of Ackermann, the Lions had a decent 2014, winning seven Super Rugby matches and reaching the Currie Cup final, before narrowly losing to Western Province at Newlands.
The Lions will open their 2015 Super Rugby campaign at home to the Hurricanes on Friday, February 13.
It was reported earlier this week that the Lions will struggle to keep Ackermann in South Africa after next year's Rugby World Cup, with the former Springbok lock reportedly receiving a big-money offer from a Japanese club.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union dismissed the rumours, with CEO Rudolf Straeuli saying the coach had extended his contract until October 31, 2016.
Ackermann on Thursday revealed that he still needed to put pen to paperregarding the contract extension, but that he intended to do so.
"I have agreed to continue coaching the team. It (the contract) just needs to be ratified," Ackermann told Netwerk24.
He also revealed that the interest from Japan was nothing more than"politeinquiries".
"I think the teams from Japan were just curious to see if I would be available."
Under the coaching tutelage of Ackermann, the Lions had a decent 2014, winning seven Super Rugby matches and reaching the Currie Cup final, before narrowly losing to Western Province at Newlands.
The Lions will open their 2015 Super Rugby campaign at home to the Hurricanes on Friday, February 13.
