Former Lions loose forward Ruan Ackermann says he would consider playing for England if he didn’t get a Springbok call-up.

The 21-year-old joined his father, coach Johan, at Gloucester after this year’s Super Rugby tournament.

Ackermann could qualify for England on residency grounds in August 2020 – just four months before World Rugby’s new eligibility laws kick in.

‘I’m still young so I can always go back [to South Africa],’ Ackermann told KweseESPN.

‘[But] I can give myself a fair shot here and you never know, hopefully it goes well and you can create yourself an option of playing for England as well.’

He said he would not turn down the chance to play for the Boks, but added that ‘if it doesn’t come and the England door opens up, I mean, I’m still young and England is a proud nation, so why not?’

Ackermann will play for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images