Educated Christ College, Brecon. Played for Newport RFC 1979-80 to 1981-82. Debut 1979-80 age 18yrs on 12th January 1980 at Maesteg in WRU Cup (Won 10 v 6) and won Wales B cap in October 1980. Voted 'Newport's Sportsman of Year' in 1980. Jointly holds record (with 3 others) of scoring 6 tries in a match vs Gloucester in 1980.

22 caps for Wales - debut vs New Zealand at Cardiff in 1980 (proudest moment). 1983 British Lions tour to New Zealand playing in test at Canterbury (second proudest moment). Left to join Cardiff RFC. Also played for London Welsh. Barbarian.

Switched to Rugby League in April 1986. Played for Whitehaven, Salford and Wales RL. Retired from playing end 1992-93. Son of former Newport captain (acting) Doug Ackerman. Teacher. Later coached in Christchurch, NZ, West of Scotland and Glasgow Hawks.