Lions putting up a fight for burly Bok hooker

REACTION: The Lions are making a concerted and tenacious effort to retain the services of World Cup-winning hooker Malcolm Marx.

Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company, confirmed to @rugby365com that they are in conversation with Marx, as well as his agent and advisers.

Marx, who played for the Shining Arcs in Japan since the World Cup last year, was one of several players who took the option to cancel his contract in terms of the controversial SA Rugby 21-day clause – the result of the cost-cutting exercises, formulated and agreed to by bodies representing SA Rugby, MyPlayers (the players’ representative organisation), Sport Employees’ Unite (employees’ trade union) and the South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation (SAREO – representing the provincial unions).

Marx, Ruan Vermaak, Tyrone Green, Shaun Reynolds and Japan-bound assistant coach Neil de Bruin were all part of the group that announced their departure earlier this month.

At the time the Lions CEO, Straeuli, said he “wish them well” on their journey ahead.

However, on Wednesday he confirmed that they have not given up on convincing Marx to stay at Ellis Park.

“There is a very real possibility that Malcolm will stay,” Straeuli told this website.

“We would like Malcolm to stay and he wants to stay. Both parties are working hard to resolve the matter.”

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.

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Marx was scheduled to return to the Lions from July till October.

They are also talking about a possible extension.

“There are several options,” Straeuli told @rugby365com, adding: “We want to retain him [Marx] for SA Rugby.

“We are trying to be flexible in our negotiations.”

Marx, 25, has played 33 Tests for the Springboks since his debut against New Zealand in Christchurch in September 2016.

He was a key member of the Springboks’ victorious campaign in Japan last year – including two crucial plays the 32-12 win over England in the Final in Yokohama.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

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