Gloucester Rugby will be looking for back-to-back Gallagher Premiership wins when they head to Northampton Saints tomorrow, but back-row Ruan Ackermann knows they’re in for a tight encounter at cinch Stadium.

“Saints are a class outfit. Ball in hand they have threats everywhere and playing at home they’ll be up for it.

“They’re just above us so it will be a tight battle. But we are just focussing on us and our game and hopefully, we can come out on top.”

Ackermann says that playing Saints at Franklin’s Gardens is particularly tough, but that as a player they’re the ones you look forward to most.

“It’s a really nice pitch and a historic ground.

They’re almost a different team when you play them there, their physicality goes up.

“It’s a challenge that you need to be excited for when you go there, and we are really looking forward to that.”

Ackermann returned from injury in last weekend’s 28-26 win over Harlequins at Kingsholm, and says it was great to return with a win over the former champions.

“It was quite frustrating for me to miss a few games in Europe and that last Prem game before our couple of weeks off. But there’s nothing like a Friday night at Kingsholm and getting those five points with the table how it is was really exciting.”

The 27-year-old knows that with the table so tight, picking up points is crucial at this stage of the season.

“We’re getting to a stage where every point matters, there are only a few points from being third or down towards the bottom, so we just focus on getting a result every weekend.”

It was Gloucester’s first Gallagher Premiership win over Harlequins in seven games, and Ackermann was pleased to finally get the win over the London side, after coming close on a few occasions.

“The last four results or something like that, there have only been around four points in it, and we’ve been on the losing side. So, to come out on the right side was really good.

“We always felt like we can beat them, and it was just up to our accuracy. Both halves were really exciting, it was a good match up and that last try with Zam going over was a relief.”

The Cherry & Whites' fans had packed out Kingsholm with a capacity crowd for the fixture, Ackermann says the 16th man played a big role in the win.
“The Gloucester fans love a Friday night game, and the atmosphere seems to go up another level.

“When Zam scored at the end, the stadium lifted and as a player, you get an energy lift because you can see how much it means to the supporters.”

Last weekend, Club Memberships for the 2023/24 season went on sale, and Ackermann wants you to sign up for our 150th season.

“It means so much to the players to be on that field at Kingsholm, and it feels like you guys are right on the field with us. For me, as a player, it’s always a boost playing in front of the Gloucester Rugby fans.”

Gloucester need to be excited for challenge of Saints says Ackermann

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