The Lions announced a string of retentions of key players late last year that will surely delight coach Cash van Rooyen.
Among those is Sanele Nohamba whose recent shift to flyhalf has proven an inspired move for the Lions.
RETENTION OF SPRINGBOK PROSPECTS IS GREAT NEWS
Lions captain Marius Louw, wing Edwill van der Merwe, Francke Horn, Morne van der Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakaye also penned contract extensions.
Forwards coach Barend Pieterse said the retentions were a testament to the Lions franchise’s current state.
Quan Horn, Rabz Maxwane, Reinhard Nothnagel, PJ Botha, Ruan Venter, Morne Brandon, Renzo du Plessis, Morgan Naude, Raynard Roets, Ruan Delport, Ruben Schoeman, Ruan Strauli, Rhynardt Rijnsburger and Manual Rass complete an impressive list of extended contracts.
All the contracts run through to the end of the 2024/25 season.
“This is massive for us in that it emphasizes our commitment towards nurturing and retaining talent for the franchise,” Head of Contracts and Operations at the Lions Rugby Company Tracy van Ginkel said.
“We take great satisfaction in our ability to develop players both on and off the field, which is a major draw for players to Johannesburg.
The coaches’ ability to plan around the talent at their disposal is made possible by the players’ commitments, which are crucial to the project’s continuity.
“We need to retain depth in key positions and overall experience because we have such a demanding competition schedule, which includes the United Rugby Championship and the Challenge Cup.”
SHOULD LIONS FANS BE WORRIED?
Perhaps a little concerning for Lions fans is that the name of Henco van Wyk was not among those who had agreed contract extensions.
