Lions announce a rash of resignings
NEWS: ‘The Lions received a timely boost ahead of the start of South Africa’s ‘preparations series’ matches this coming weekend.
The Johannesburg-based franchise announced the contract extensions of Tiaan Swanepoel, Reinhard Nothnagel and Sithembiso Sithole.
“These three stalwarts have excelled in confidence in senior rugby and have grown in their respective positions,” the Lions Rugby Company a statement.
“We know that they will take their game to the next level in 2021.”
Sithole has extended for two years, while Swanepoel and Nothnagel both extended for three years.
* Meanwhile versatile Cheetahs backline player William Small-Smith rubbished reports that he will be leaving the team.
Small-Smith is out of action for the next three months and has temporarily relocated to Johannesburg to undergo rehabilitation for a concussion.
A report doing the rounds indicated that once Small-Smith’s rehab has been completed he will be joining the Lions.
When contacted by OFM Sport, Small-Smith admitted that he is in his city of birth, but stressed that he is contracted at the Cheetahs until the end of October next year.
“I am currently doing my concussion rehab with Dr [John] Patricios and his team in Johannesburg,” he told the radio station.
“The reason for that is that Dr Patricios is the leader in his field and will give me the best chance to return to the field as soon as possible.
“The Cheetahs gave permission for me to do so as they have my best interests at heart and also believe he is the right man to help me.
“I am contracted to the Cheetahs until the end of October 2022 and will do all I can to represent them again when I am fit and healthy to do so.”
We are excited to announce the extension of Sti Sithole, Tiaan Swanepoel, Reinhard Nothnagel.
These stalwarts have excelled in confidence in senior rugby and have grown in their respective positions. We know that they will take their game to the next level in 2021.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/0j8pi5cZO1
— Xerox Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 23, 2021
