Johan Ackermann has squashed rumours of unhappiness in the Lions squad over the selection of his son in the starting XV.

In the absence of flank Warwick Tecklenburg, who's suspended for one week, Ruan Ackermann has been drafted into the Lions starting team for their clash against the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday. According to Netwerk24,​ a number of young players in the squad feel the 20-year-old is getting preferential treatment. 

When asked about the matter, Ackermann Snr said he was not aware of any unhappiness among his players.

'I don’t know where it comes from. There are only smiles at the practices and I did not notice any unhappiness. I would want any player who is unhappy about it to come and discuss it with me, but no player has come up to me and complained about it,' Ackermann said.

'As far as I’m concerned, Ruan has taken his chance. He has worked very hard to get here.'

Photo: Duit du Toit/Gallo Images