Sextet of Lions extend contracts
NEWS: Five of the Lions’ forwards and one backline player have signed contract extensions with the union for the next two years.
They are hooker Pieter Botha (PJ), lock Reinhard Nothnagel, the props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Jean-Pierre Smith (JP), loose-forward Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk.
The announcement of the sextet Lions deciding to remain with the franchise comes fresh off the news that forwards coach Albert van den Berg will not renew his contract.
The 25-year-old Botha has only ever played for the Lions who made his senior debut in 2019. The product of Monument Hoërskool has gradually worked his way up the ladder to where he is now a regular starter in competitions like the United Rugby Championship and the Challenge Cup.
Nothnagel suffered an ankle injury in December, but made his comeback in late March. The lanky lock has led the Lions with aplomb due to his natural leadership abilities. He represented South Africa at SA Schools and Under 20 levels.
The big man Ntlabakanye, affectionately known as Asa, has grown in stature (no pun intended) since making his senior debut in 2020. Despite his obvious size, he often gets around the field for close to 80 minutes and has stood more than his man against the more illustrious packs in the URC and Challenge Cup.
The 33-year-old Smith brings the experience to the table when it comes to scrummaging, having been around the block a few times, representing various teams around the world. The twin brother of Ruan Smith has donned the jerseys of the Queensland Reds, the Brumbies as well as the LA Giltinis in California. He joined the Lions in 2021.
The number eight, Horn, recently returned from a lengthy lay-off after an ankle injury in December and again showed signs of the hard running loose-forward everyone got accustomed to. A lot if still expected of Horn, who is only still 23 years of age.
Van Wyk, the youngster among the resignings, was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year in 2021. He made his debut for the Lions in the URC and has already caught the eye as a star on the rise.
