The Highs And Lows Of Johan Ackermann's Springbok Career

Loading player...
Johan Ackermann made his Springbok debut in 1996. A combination of injury and a failed anti-doping test wrecked his career. But Johan showed great resilience and was back in the famous green and gold jersey in 2001.

Yet again injury struck. Ackermann again showed tremendous courage to fight back and again represented his country in 2006 and 2007. In this exclusive interview, Johan shares his journey, the highs and the lows and everything in between.

This podcast originates from the Front Row Rugby YouTube Channel.
28 Dec 2025 English South Africa Rugby · Sports

Other recent episodes

The New Nations Championship Is Already A Total Farce!

Is the Nations Championship already a dead man walking? Before a single ball has been kicked, the new "global" rugby competition is proving to be anything but global. From Japan being forced to play "home" games in Australia to accommodate Ireland, to Fiji playing in the UK because Tier 1…
4 May 7 min

The Top 5 Candidates For Springbok Life After Rassie!

Rassie Erasmus is contracted until 2031, but in the volatile world of international rugby, the succession plan starts now. Who is actually ready to fill the biggest shoes in South Africa? In this episode of Front Row Rugby, award-winning journalist Peter Stemmet goes beyond the headlines to rank the top…
4 May 6 min

How Manie Libbok Was Forced Out Of South Africa

Is the Stormers' system failing the Springboks’ future? Stormers coach John Dobson has made a staggering claim: Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok was essentially "driven out" of South Africa by incessant online abuse. But as Peter Stemmet investigates, there is a deeper, tactical pattern emerging in Cape Town that involves not…
24 Apr 12 min

How South Africa Stole Their Name From a Rugby Team!

The Springboks have officially been around since 1906. South Africa has been playing international rugby as a team since 1891. But how is that possible since before 1910 there was not a country called South Africa? In this episode Peter describes exactly how it worked and why in many ways…
13 Apr 8 min

Ranking the Greatest Rivalries in Rugby History!

Step into the world of Front Row Rugby and experience the thrill of Springbok Rugby like never before! Our presenter, Peter Stemmet, is an award-winning sports journalist who’s lived and breathed rugby for years. With his passion for the sport, you’re guaranteed to be in for a treat. Get ready…
10 Apr 9 min