Lions face an end of an era

Lions coach Johan Ackerman considering Gloucester job.
It’s been a while since the Lions looked as uncertain as they were on Thursday afternoon.

Many will remember a time when the Johannesburg franchise struggled in the Super Rugby competition.

During those dark days, they looked clueless on and off the field.

Over the last three years or so their fortunes have changed for the better, thanks mainly to Johan Ackermann and his coaching staff.

Last year, the Lions were undoubtedly the kings of the domestic jungle, finishing the competition without a loss in the local derbies.

They also impressed against foreign sides before eventually losing to the Hurricanes in the final.

Since hard work hardly goes unnoticed in sport, Johan Ackermann has become a wanted man by overseas clubs with overseas currency.

Gloucester who are looking to replace coach Laurie Fisher have approached Ackermann who confirmed as much, in a press conference before facing the Reds.

LISTEN: JOHAN ACKERMANN CONFIRMS GLOUCESTER OFFER



On Thursday though, there was a brief uncomfortable silence, followed by some laughs, accompanied by an exchange of glances, when I ask for an update.

LISTEN: JOHAN ACKERMANN ON GLOUCESTER JOB UPDATE



It was the first time this line of question was raised in the presence of Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli, who, in case you couldn’t make out from the audio above, said, they (Lions) would not be answering questions on the matter.

That confusion between, the coach, CEO and media manager Annemie Bester felt like a ‘Throw Back Thursday’ many fans would not want to revisit anytime soon.


Now I don’t believe things at Emirates Airline (Ellis) Park will immediately begin to fall apart should the coach leave, but it would spell an end of an era.


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