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

Harri Ackerman
Date of birth (2004-12-21) 21 December 2004 (age 19)
Place of birthCardiff
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight93 kg (14 st 9 lb; 205 lb)
SchoolColeg Gwent
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Dragons
Youth career
Newbridge RFC
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022– Newport RFC 16 (10)
2022 Cross Keys RFC ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2023– Dragons 4 (0)
Correct as of 21 January 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022 Wales U18
2023– Wales U20 3 (0)
Correct as of 21 January 2024

Club career

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Youth and amateur rugby

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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

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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]

International career

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Wales U18 and U20

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Ackerman 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

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  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. ^ "Dragon News : Eleven Dragons Named by Wales U18s". Dragons RFC. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Wales U20 announce Six Nations squad - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Ackerman to lead Wales U20s after Woodman injury". BBC Sport. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Wales U20s win 11-try thriller against Scotland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  15. ^ "Rising Dragons star to target start of next season after surgery on broken leg". South Wales Argus. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
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