Lions flexing their legal muscles

EXCLUSIVE: The Lions Rugby Company is leaving no stone unturned in an effort to stop the talent drain from Ellis Park.

They are certainly not scared to flex their legal muscles and at least two players have now been told they will be kept to contracts already signed.

Earlier on Wednesday Lions Chief Executive Officer Rudolph Straeuli confirmed to @rugby365com that they are in ‘conversation’ with World Cup-winning hooker Malcolm Marx, as well as his agent and advisers.

This followed after Marx, who played for the Shining Arcs in Japan since the World Cup last year, took the option to cancel his contract in terms of the controversial SA Rugby 21-day clause.

Straeuli said they have not given up on convincing Marx to stay at Ellis Park.

Straeuli was not willing to divulge too much detail, but it is believed the issue revolves around the legality of cancelling a contract that only takes effect on July 1.

Now, @rugby365com can reveal that Junior Springbok and former South African Schools back Wandisile Simelane has been told he will have to honour a clause in the contract he has with the Lions.

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Simelane had been in discussions with the Stormers about a possible move to Cape Town, while there was also interest in his services from the Durban-based Sharks.

His preferred destination was Cape Town and it is believed that as late as Tuesday he was 90 percent certain to pack his bags and head out of Johannesburg.

However, a clause in his contract – which still runs till October – allows the Lions to match any offer he receives elsewhere.

The Lions have now executed that clause and matched the best offer.

While Simelane had hoped the Lions would release him, they stood their ground and the player was left with no option but to accept a two-year contract extension in Johannesburg – unless he was ready for a lengthy legal battle.

The 22-year-old has accepted his fate and will be playing out of Ellis Park for the next two years.

There will be questions about his motivation, given that he is clearly not happy at the Doornfontein-based franchise.

However, his desire to play at international level will mean he is likely to continue delivering on the pitch.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

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