Despite the Lions’ comfortable lead in the Currie Cup standings, there was a simmering sense of interest at Ellis Park this week regarding some off-field occurrences.

The fate and ambitions of Springbok prop Ruan Dreyer have become the source of much scuttlebutt at the Johannesburg-based franchise.

Dreyer, 33, has a contract that attaches him to Ellis Park till December.

However, there is whispering that he has asked for an early exit.

This is fueled by the fact the four-times capped Bok has not been as active at Ellis Park since the conclusion of the Lions’ United Rugby Championship campaign in May.

The same grapevine that has carried commentaries of an early departure also linked him to a move to Durban.

If true – and it is a #BIG if – he will become the third Lions player to head to the Shark Tank this year.

Utility back Jordan Hendrikse will start training with the Sharks next week and utility forward Emmanuel Tshituka started training in Durban a few weeks ago.

Dreyer, who made all four of his Test appearances in 2017, has not been able to rise to the heights that saw him being capped seven years ago.

His stint at English Premiership outfit Gloucester was accompanied by serious injuries that resulted in only a handful of appearances.

While still a valuable asset off the bench – with the ability to play on both sides of the scrum – Dreyer has made only eight starts for the Lions in the 2023-24 URC season.

He played another two games off the bench.