Lions sign Griquas midfield star
The Golden Lions moved quickly to fill the midfield void left in the wake of a series of injuries and the departure of other key backs.
They have signed Griquas star Xolane Mnisi on an 18-month contract.
The capable centre, better known by his middle name Howard, linked up with the Lions squad last week, but his contract was only finalised this week.
He is available for selection ahead of their opening Currie Cup encounter with the Blue Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday.
It follows in the wake of a rash of injuries that sidelined players like Alwyn Hollenbach (shoulder), Deon van Rensburg (rib fracture), Anthony Volmink (shoulder injury) and Courtnall Skosan (fractured cheekbone).
Chrysander Botha has gone to Ireland, while Coenie Van Wyk and JW Jonker has returned to the Pumas at the completion of the Super Rugby season.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies has also departed to Japan, leaving their backline resources very depleted.
Lions backline coach Swys de Bruin said he is thrilled to welcome 25-year-old Mnisi to Johannesburg, having noticed his talents from an early age.
"I coached Howard at junior level, while at the Sharks, and I am excited to welcome him to the Golden Lions," said De Bruin.
"He is certainly a player that I feel will fit in well within our backline structures and he will no doubt contribute a great deal to our overall team objectives."
Mnisi has joined the Golden Lions from the Griquas, where he gleaned Currie Cup experience.
He also played for the Cheetahs during the 2014 Super Rugby tournament.
He represented the Pumas at the 2006 and 2007 Under-18 Craven Week tournaments, which earned him a place in the Natal Sharks academy. He played for their Under-19 team in 2008 and their Under-21 team in 2010.
In 2011, he was included in the Vodacom Cup squad and made his debut against the Welwitschias.
However, he failed to break into the Currie Cup team and joined Varsity Cup side NMMU Madibaz instead. He was included in the SA Students team in 2012 and 2013 and he was also votes the "Back That Rocks" for the 2013 Varsity Cup tournament.
He had a trial with the Free State Cheetahs in 2013,[5] but joined the Griquas instead.
