Johan Ackermann's Top League side confirms eight new signings including a World Cup winning Springbok

Former Gloucester head coach Johan Ackerman has started his recruitment for his new side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

The South African has recruited three former Gloucester players including Franco Marais, Tom Marshall and Wales' international Owen Williams.

Marais follows Ackermann to Japan having joined Gloucester from the Sharks when the former Lions' coach joined the Premiership club while New Zealander Tom Marshall also makes the shift.

Owen Williams' switch to Japan will make him ineligible to represent Wales in the future. 

As he did at Gloucester, Ackermann has brought a few South Africans with him to Japan with Springbok World Cup winning winger Makazole Mapimpi joining the side in a move that will still see him turn out for the Sharks during Super Rugby.

Mapimpi's teammate at the Sharks, Tyler Paul, also joins the side and brings versatility to the side with his ability to play lock and flank. The fourth and final South African to join the side is 22-year-old Lions openside flanker Ruan Vermaak.

Ackermann has also done some recruitment in Japan with centre Ben Saunders joining from Toyota Industries Shuttles and flyhalf Ei Kawamukai joining from Kubota Spears.