Rassie Erasmus’ surprise call-up completes bombshell move in search of more gametime

The Lions have officially announced the signing of Junior Springboks star Batho Hlekani, as reported by Planet Rugby last month.

The powerhouse forward was set to join the Johannesburg outfit during the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign after signing with the Lions upon the conclusion of his contract in Durban.

Lions secure Hlekani’s early release

Hlekani’s deal with the Sharks was set to run until 31 December, but the Lions attempted to secure an early arrival of the rising star following the injury to Izan Esterhuizen.

However, the Durbanites initially dug in their heels but have now come to an agreement with the Lions, making the signing official on their social media accounts on Monday.

Hlekani shot to stardom during last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship, where he produced standout performances before impressing in the Currie Cup with the Sharks soon after, helping the side lift the famous trophy, beating the Lions in the final.

However, his stocks were further boosted this year when he again shone for South Africa U20s as they ended a 13-year wait for a second U20 Championship title, defeating New Zealand in the final before he was invited to train with the Springboks‘ Rugby Championship squad along with two of his Junior Bok teammates.

The powerhouse back-rower will now boost the Lions’ loose forward stocks for the Currie Cup, having reversed the trend of players leaving Johannesburg for Durban with his debut for his new team imminent.

Planet Rugby understands that Hlekani’s move to the Lions is in an attempt to get more regular game time in the URC and Europe, with the loose forward featuring just once for the senior team last season.

The Lions will have to wait, though, as he is currently training with Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad after being invited to the camp along with U20s stars Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead.

Training with the Springboks

Commenting on the reasons behind the trio’s invitation and how they fared in training with the Boks, Erasmus confirmed that they are unlikely to make their Test debuts this year but added that it was important to see how they fared.

“We definitely don’t see those guys playing Test matches this year, but we’re getting them used to the environment here and wherever they go for their franchises or their clubs… It’s just for us to understand how quickly they can make the step up and settle into the environment with the energy they bring, like what we did with Ntokozo Makhaza,” he explained.

“The three of them know 100% well that there’s no chance [that they play for the Springboks this year], unless they really knock down the door and blow us away at training sessions.”

He added: “They take part in every single part of the training, boardroom, classroom, morning, physical sessions, scrum sessions and so on.

“So, it’s not like we put them out of certain things, it’s not just for them to sit and listen and learn, it is for them to take part as well. Also, for the older guys to know this is what is coming through.

“They are fitting in well, and I think they’re enjoying it. They are keeping up with the other guys, so that’s great.”