Lions bolster coaching team with Boks
NEWS: The Lions Rugby Company have announced the appointment of three former Springbok stars to bolster their coaching set-up ahead of the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) competition starting September 24.
Head coach Ivan ‘Cash’ Rooyen will be supported by Albert van den Berg (forwards and lineouts coach), Ricardo Loubscher (backline, attack and skills coach), and Jaque Fourie (defence coach).
Van den Berg joins the team from the Griquas, while Loubscher is a former Springbok assistant coach.
Fourie was previously the defence coach at the Western Force and the USA national team.
“These are exciting times for the Lions ahead of the URC competition. As we embark on our debut season in Europe, we look forward to exposing our players and coaching staff to what will surely be a competitive environment,” said Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli.
“We are particularly excited to welcome fresh ideas, experience and value our new coaches will bring to our setup as we begin preparations before jetting off in a few weeks.
“We wish the players and management all the best as they begin their preparations.”
The Lions Rugby Company have today announced the appointment of three former Springboks to bolster their coaching setup ahead of the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) competition starting 24 September 2021.https://t.co/h2se3AO9AD
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) September 1, 2021
Straeuli further went on to encourage the Lions’ fans to back their team ahead of the Northern Hemisphere competition.
“It’s been a challenging year and we have taken a few learnings from those experiences.
“We now more than ever encourage our fans and supporters to get behind their team as we prepare to face tough opposition abroad and at home.”
The Lions kick-off their European campaign with four away fixtures against Zebre (September 24), Scarlets (October 1), Glasgow Warriors (October 9) and Ulster (October 15).
