Lions hold onto the next generation of Boks

UPDATE: The Lions confirmed that Sanela Nohamba has joined the list of players extending their stay with the Lions.

Nohamba along with 19 Lions players have renewed their contract until the 2024/25 season.

Lions captain Marius Louw, wing Edwill van der Merwe, Francke Horn, Morne van der Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakaye are the other names that opted to commit to the franchise.

The move is certainly a major boost for the franchise, which has shown plenty of promise with its performances in the United Rugby Championship.

Other players committing to the Johannesburg side are Quan Horn, Rabz Maxwane, Reinhard Nothnagel, PJ Botha, Ruan Venter, Morne Brandon, Renzo du Plessis, Morgan Naude, Raynard Roets, Ruan Delport, Ruben Schoeman, Ruan Strauli, Rhynardt Rijnsburger and Manual Rass.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Lions forwards coach Barend Pieterse said the renewals are a testimony of the franchise’s current state.

“Any place or union that has that amount of guys that re-sign, a mixture of experience and young players,  it shows the confidence the players have in the union and coaching staff,” Pieterse said.

“This is massive for us in that it emphasizes our commitment towards nurturing and retaining talent for the franchise,” Head of Contracts and Operations at the Lions Rugby Company Tracy van Ginkel said.

“We pride ourselves in investing in talent both on and off the field, which is a key selling point in attracting players to Johannesburg.”

She added: “Crucial to the commitments made by these players is that it enhances the continuity project that the coaches have going, meaning they can plan around the talent they have at their disposal.

“With such a demanding competition schedule, namely the United Rugby Championship and the Challenge Cup, it’s important that we maintain depth in key positions and overall experience.”