Ackermann lost to the Lions?

Johan Ackermann, who has helped the Lions emerge from obscurity to Super Rugby finalists in three short years, confirmed that he is considering an offer to move to England to join Gloucester next season.

Speaking at a media briefing, ahead of the team's Round Four Super Rugby encounter with the Reds at Ellis Park on Saturday, the coach confirmed the Premiership club have made him an offer to replace Australian Laurie Fisher.

However, Ackermann is yet to make a decision.

"I'm in the process of looking at all the pros and cons," the coach said, adding: "I'll make a decision sooner rather than later."

Ackermann said he did not want to put a timeframe on making a decision, as he did not want the players to be affected by the sideshow.

"I will make up my mind at an appropriate time."

"I have a tournament to focus on at the moment, so it is important not to distract the players."

Ackermann, who played 13 Tests for the Springboks, has been head coach of the Lions since 2013, having started as forwards coach of the franchise when New Zealander John Mitchell was the head coach.

Ackermann won the Currie Cup with the Lions in 2015, before steering them to the Super Rugby Final last year, where they lost 3-20 to the Hurricanes in Wellington.

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