Lions prop heads north to England
TRANSFER NEWS: Ealing Trailfinders announced the signing of Johannes Jonker on a two-year deal.
The tighthead prop joins the English club from the Lions in South Africa, having made over 50 appearances for them in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup.
The 26-year-old started his rugby career with the Border Bulldogs in East London where he played in the Currie Cup before signing for the Lions in Johannesburg.
He has been with the Lions for five years, however, the prop spent the 2017/18 season in the Top 14 with Montpellier where he made nine appearances in the French top flight.
#⃣CONFIRMED: The reason why @MarvinOrie did not re-sign with the @LionsRugbyCo
🗣️Agent confirms decision to move on …#Rugby #EllisPark #LionsPride#TheChampionWithin #ReachForGold
🔗https://t.co/mR1X5LOlYA— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) February 2, 2021
Jonker is looking forward to a new challenge in English rugby with Ealing Trailfinders.
“Firstly I would like to say thank you to Ealing Trailfinders and everyone involved for the faith they have in me and giving me the opportunity to do what I love! I am very excited to be doing it for a club that has a great history behind its name.
“Leading up to my trip here, Ealing Trailfinders have made my experience so pleasurable as they are such a great and helpful team. Even during these trying times of the current pandemic, the club has gone above and beyond to cater for me. It has not been an easy road but through all their efforts I am extremely grateful.
Most importantly I am really looking forward to continuing my career here, meeting the amazing supporters when the opportunity presents itself and helping in any way possible to achieve their goals. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
Director of Rugby Ben Ward is pleased to have another experienced operator in his front row.
“Johannes is a good scrummager who arrives with a strong reputation. He will add significant power and mobility to our front row and we believe he will be an excellent addition to the squad in multiple areas.
“He will increase the competition for that starting shirt and gives us a real boost ahead of the upcoming Championship season, which he can have a significant impact on throughout.”
🦁 🇿🇦Over 5️⃣0️⃣ appearances for the Lions
🇫🇷 Season with Montpellier
ADVERTISEMENT🏆 Super Rugby & Currie Cup experience
✍️ Welcome on board, Johannes! pic.twitter.com/Xo2RPCyzM9
— Ealing Trailfinders (@ealingtfrugby) February 2, 2021
@ealingtfrugby
