Brawlers.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan, who is a player with the club, have been accused of beating up a mean in a Cheltenham nightclub last Sunday.

Johan left South Africa franchise the Lions at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season, after guiding them to a second successive final, to take up his new post as head coach of Gloucester, and shortly after the move, back-row Ruan joined him at the Premiership club.

The incident in question, which happened after Gloucester’s 69-12 win over Italian club Zebre, prompted local police to release the following statement:

“Gloucestershire Constabulary is investigating a report of an incident which happened at the 21 Club in Regent Street, Cheltenham, in the early hours of Sunday morning – December 17. 

“The allegation is that there was an altercation between two groups of men, during which one of the men sustained facial injuries.

“The incident was reported just before 1.30am. Police officers arrived shortly afterwards but all those involved had left the scene. Investigating officers will be examining CCTV footage this week and speaking to witnesses. No-one has been arrested.”

Christina Woods claimed on Facebook that she knew the person who had allegedly been beaten up. She posted pictures of the man with his injuries and then accused Johan and Ruan of attacking him.

“This is a heartbreaking. This lad is my good friends brother, he has autism and was attacked unprovoked!!! This has now left him with a possible bleed on the brain. The scum who did this were 2 “men” who are supposed to be upstanding members of society.. but have now shown they are nothing more than oxygen wasting thugs. They are Ruan ackermann and his father johan ackermann. Police, media, everything possible is being done to get these 2 morona off the thrones they think they sit on, you are NOT above the law. Please share this as far as you can so we can get #justiceforharry !!!!! #autism #attack #unprovoked #ruanackermann #johanackermann #gloucesterrugby,” the post read.

The incident was reported by The Daily Mail, and they have stated that Gloucester are indeed aware of the incident, but are not prepared to comment as of yet.

Update: Gloucester have since released the following statement:

Following an accusation regarding Johan Ackermann and Ruan Ackermann we can confirm an incident took place in Cheltenham last weekend.

Gloucester Rugby are aware that a small number of individuals are posting comments about the incident which are untrue. 

Gloucester Rugby do not condone violence in any shape or form and having reviewed the evidence, the club stands by the pair unreservedly.

Gloucester Rugby CEO Stephen Vaughan stated: 

“Gloucester Rugby takes any allegations extremely seriously and we have conducted a full investigation in to this matter. 

“Having spoken to Johan, Ruan, the club where the alleged incident took place, the police and other independent witnesses as well as viewing subsequent CCTV footage, I am completely satisfied that whilst an incident did take place, it was instigated by others and not by Johan and Ruan as has been incorrectly reported.

“Both Johan and Ruan have been upset and disappointed by the allegations, but do appreciate the support from Gloucester Rugby fans, players, colleagues, friends and family.”