Makazole Mapimpi. (Gallo Images) Johan Ackermann, the new NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes coach, will have a substantial South African contingent at his disposal when his tenure in Japan's Top League starts.While Makazole Mapimpi has been roped in to provide short-term magic to the side, most of the new recruits have been signed for longer stays.He's…
Johan Ackermann (Getty Images) Despite lacking in prestige, Johan Ackermann believes his move to Japan from England will enable him to still grow as a coach."Certain circumstances" hastened his departure from Gloucester, but Ackermann is still grateful for the experiences at Kingsholm Stadium.Japan's Top League is not exactly inferior, given the proliferation of fine coaches…
Ruan Ackermann (Getty Images) There has seldom been that much song and dance about the likelihood of Pretoria-born Ruan Ackermann turning out in an England jersey - a moderate surprise to me.Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021But that prospect drew considerably closer to fruition when his father,…
Kataza the baboon. Facebook / Baboon Matters The City of Cape Town has asked the public not to feed a baboon that has relocated to Tokai. The baboon, known as Kataza or SK11, is slowly being integrated into the Tokai troop. Video footage, however, shows humans feeding Kataza. The City of Cape Town has requested that Kataza…
As SA Rugby moves to determine which franchises will go to Europe in future, Rassie Erasmus has noted several potential benefits for the local game should that route be followed.The national director of rugby believes the high world rankings of Wales, Ireland and Scotland mean PRO Rugby is competitive and that fans will eventually identify…
(John Finney Photography/Moment/Getty Images) An abnormally bad season of weather may have had a significant impact on the death toll from both World War I and the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, according to new research, with many more lives being lost due to torrential rain and plummeting temperatures. Through a detailed analysis of an ice…