Lions announce 'new' coach
NEWS: The Lions have been boosted with a ‘new’ coach in their ranks following the departure of Barend Pieterse to the Junior Springboks in January 2026.
Wessel Roux has been promoted from the Lions’ junior ranks to take on the role of forwards coach, left vacant by Pieterse’s departure.
The 50-year-old Roux joined the Lions in 2016, serving as head and forwards coach across all junior teams of the Johannesburg-based franchise for nearly a decade.
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Built from within… Introducing Wessel “Masjien” Roux as the new senior team forwards coach.#ForOurCity
#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/ffK9abMK3l— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) December 29, 2025
Roux also served as the Currie Cup forwards coach between 2022 and 2025, reaching the Final of the domestic tournament alongside head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi.
The Lions will travel to Durban this weekend to face a rejuvenated Sharks side under interim head coach JP Pietersen following the departure of John Plumtree.
The Johannesburg-based side, currently on 17 points and in eighth position on the United Rugby Championship table, could strengthen their bid to reach the play-offs for the first time in its history.