Lions exodus gains momentum
TRANSFER NEWS: Super Rugby’s three-times losing Finalists, the Lions, have confirmed the departure of another senior player.
The Lions confirmed on Monday that seasoned prop Jacques van Rooyen has signed with Bath.
The South African, who has played over 60 times for the Lions since making his debut in 2014, will arrive in the West Country ahead of the 2018/19 season.
He joins players like Ruan Dreyer, Jaco Kriel and Rohan Janse van Rensburg – who are also heading for the exit door.
Janse van Rensburg is joining Bok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk at English side Sale Sharks.
Kriel (flank) and Dreyer (prop) are both joining former Lions coach Johann Ackermann at Gloucester.
Gloucester already other South Africans like Ruan Ackermann, Gerbrandt Grobler and Franco Marais on their books.
Bok lock Franco Mostert is also listed on the club’s new recruits, but the Lions are disputing the legitimacy of this contract.
There is no disputing Van Rooyen’s departure.
“I’m really looking forward to testing myself in the Northern Hemisphere and playing for a club with a great deal of ambition going into the new season,” Van Rooyen said.
Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, added: “We are really pleased to bring someone in of Jacques’ calibre in time for the new season. He’s proven himself in Super Rugby and will bring a great deal to the squad both at the set piece and with the ball in hand.
“We have great strength in depth at loosehead with Jacques, Lucas [Noguera] and Nathan [Catt] all competing for the No.1 shirt – after losing Beno [Obano] to injury in May.
“Jacques can also play at tighthead, which adds another option over the course of a busy season of domestic and European rugby.”
