VIDEO: Lions working 'within their means'

Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli revealed on Friday that defence coach Jaque Fourie has extended his stay at Ellis Park for another two years.

However, the futures of other members of the panel – head coach Ivan van Rooyen, Ricardo Laubscher (backline, attack and skills), Julian Redelinghuys (scrum) and Albert van den Berg (forwards and line-out) – remain uncertain.

Straeuli described the contract negotiations process as “highly confidential”.

However, he confirmed they are in the process of looking at extending the players and coaching contracts.

“It is an ongoing process,” Straeuli told @rugby365com, adding that they are in negotiations with all of their coaches – except Fourie, who has already signed on the dotted line.

“We have been fortunate to have retained most of our players,”

Addressing the speculation around Van Rooyen’s position – which has become contentious during the Lions’ horror run in the United Rugby Championship – the CEO said they have faith in a man that has been in the union’s structures for more than a decade.

Reports earlier this week suggested Van Rooyen’s contract will be extended for another two years, despite his spotty track record.

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“We have to work within our means,” he said, adding: “I won’t get into rumour mongering.”

The CEO said most of their players have signed up to stay in the Den, with about five who are still in negotiations with the union.

“We are comfortable that we are growing in the right direction,” Straeuli told @rugby365com.

He admitted they were not happy with the result on tour during the recent four-week venture into Europe, but said their progress in the Challenge Cup is pleasing.

The Lions will host French giants Racing 92 in the round of Last 16 at Ellis Park on April 1.

Straeuli also revealed that Mziwakhe Nkosi will again head up the Currie Cup coaching panel when South Africa’s premier domestic competition gets underway next month.

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