Harri Ackerman (born 21 December 2004) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a centre for Dragons RFC.
| Date of birth | 21 December 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Cardiff | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 93 kg (14 st 9 lb; 205 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Coleg Gwent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Club career
editYouth and amateur rugby
editAckerman played youth rugby for Newbridge RFC and represented Wales in Rugby league at U17 level.[1][2] After returning to rugby union, Ackerman was part of the Dragons Academy, and captained the U18 team as they won the Regional Age Grade tournament in 2022.[3] While part of the academy, Ackerman played for both Cross Keys RFC and Newport RFC.[4] On his Cross Keys debut, Ackerman scored two tries, and was named as Man of the Match.[5] Ackerman suffered a shoulder injury in the 2022–23 Cup Final against Cardiff RFC, which ruled him out until December 2023.[6]
Ackerman attended Coleg Gwent, and played for their rugby team.[7]
Dragons
editUpon returning to fitness, Ackerman made his debut for the Dragons on 9 December 2023, in the Challenge Cup match against Oyonnax.[8][9] His first start came the following month, on 1 January 2024 against the Scarlets, making his United Rugby Championship debut.[6]
On 2 April 2024, Ackerman signed a three-year contract extension with the Dragons.[10]
International career
editWales U18 and U20
editAckerman was named as captain of Wales U18 for the 2022 Under-18 festival.[11]
In 2023, Ackerman progressed to the U20 team, featuring in the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[12] Ackerman missed the Summer Series due to a shoulder injury.[6]
Ackerman was named as captain for the 2024 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[13] Ackerman scored his first try for Wales in the opening win over Scotland, and had another try ruled out.[14]
During the match against France, Ackerman broke his leg, and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.[15]
References
edit- ^ "Talented Dragons centre 'in the mould' of man who will wear 12 for Gatland's Wales". South Wales Argus. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Steffan (29 December 2023). "The new names set to light up Welsh rugby who you'll be seeing a lot more of". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Young Dragons set for bright future after stunning comeback to win title". South Wales Argus. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Ackerman makes mark on Keys debut". Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Happy Harri's double lifts Keys". The Rugby Paper. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ a b c "Powerful, tough Dragons centre Harri Ackerman tipped for top". South Wales Argus. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Gwent roll on as Llandovery turn over Sir Gar". Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Dragons versus Oyonnax Rugby Match Report on 09 December 2023 | Dragons". Dragons RFC. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Highly-rated Wales U20s prospect set for Dragons debut in Euro opener". South Wales Argus. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Wales U20s captain with 'high ceiling' signs three-year deal with Dragons". South Wales Argus. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Dragon News : Eleven Dragons Named by Wales U18s". Dragons RFC. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Wales U20 announce Six Nations squad - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
- ^ "Ackerman to lead Wales U20s after Woodman injury". BBC Sport. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "Wales U20s win 11-try thriller against Scotland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Rising Dragons star to target start of next season after surgery on broken leg". South Wales Argus. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.