Gloucester Rugby says a nightclub fight in Cheltenham last Sunday was not instigated by Johan and Ruan Ackermann.

On Monday, 24-year-old personal trainer Harry Allen said he would be pressing charges after allegedly being assaulted by the duo just before 01:30.

Allen accused Ackermann Snr of ‘body-checking’ his friend – a ‘gentle giant’ – at a bar before pushing and grabbing him.

Allen said he himself was then punched by Ackermann Jnr when he tried to step in and calm things down.

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‘Following an accusation regarding Johan Ackermann and Ruan Ackermann we can confirm an incident took place in Cheltenham last weekend,’ read a Gloucester statement on Tuesday.

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

‘Gloucester Rugby does 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 into 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 while 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.’

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