FORMER Newport and Ebbw Vale back row forward Doug Ackerman has died at the age of 85.
Ackerman was a leading Black and Ambers servant after playing 230 games for the club and then becoming an off-field figure after his retirement.
He made his debut for the club against Birkenhead Park on Boxing Day in 1949 and was vice-captain in 1954/55.
Ackerman, former Wales international Rob's father, played in Newport's 12-6 loss to the Springboks in 1952 and the 11-6 defeat to the All Blacks in 1954.
He played for British Universities, Monmouthshire and Crawshays and ended his playing career with Ebbw Vale before serving on the Black and Ambers' committee and being honorary secretary between 1980 and 1989.
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