Harri Ackerman (born 21 December 2004) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a centre for Dragons RFC.

Club career

Youth and amateur rugby

Ackerman 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

Upon 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]

After missing the start of the season due to injury, Ackerman was named to play for Newport RFC on 7 December 2024, but the match was postponed due to Storm Darragh.[11][12]

International career

Wales U18 and U20

Ackerman was named as captain of Wales U18 for the 2022 Under-18 festival.[13]

In 2023, Ackerman progressed to the U20 team, featuring in the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[14] Ackerman missed the Summer Series due to a shoulder injury.[6]

Ackerman was named as captain for the 2024 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[15] Ackerman scored his first try for Wales in the opening win over Scotland, and had another try ruled out.[16]

During the match against France, Ackerman broke his leg, and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.[17]

References

  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "Young Dragons set for bright future after stunning comeback to win title". South Wales Argus. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  4. ^ "Ackerman makes mark on Keys debut". Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Happy Harri's double lifts Keys". The Rugby Paper. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c "Powerful, tough Dragons centre Harri Ackerman tipped for top". South Wales Argus. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Gwent roll on as Llandovery turn over Sir Gar". Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Dragons versus Oyonnax Rugby Match Report on 09 December 2023 | Dragons". Dragons RFC. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Highly-rated Wales U20s prospect set for Dragons debut in Euro opener". South Wales Argus. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Wales U20s captain with 'high ceiling' signs three-year deal with Dragons". South Wales Argus. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Promising Dragons centre to return for Newport after nine months out". South Wales Argus. 6 December 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  12. ^ "Official Bridgend Ravens Website | BRIDGEND V NEWPORT POSTPONED". Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  13. ^ "Dragon News : Eleven Dragons Named by Wales U18s". Dragons RFC. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Wales U20 announce Six Nations squad - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  15. ^ "Ackerman to lead Wales U20s after Woodman injury". BBC Sport. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Wales U20s win 11-try thriller against Scotland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  17. ^ "Rising Dragons star to target start of next season after surgery on broken leg". South Wales Argus. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harri_Ackerman
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