Louw opens up on decision to leave Sharks

SPOTLIGHT: Marius Louw believes his knowledge of the game has been steadily increasing since he arrived in Johannesburg a few months ago.

The 26-year-old centre decided to part ways with the Sharks at the end of last season to join the Lions.

He made his official debut for the Joburg side last weekend in a 15-31 defeat to the Bulls at Ellis Park in Round One of the URC. He was one of his team’s two try-scorers in the match.

“From a pre-season point of view, it was tough. I think there were a lot of learnings,” said Louw.

“Fitting in has been very easy – the coaches and the players have been very welcoming.

“I’ve learnt a lot just in these last few weeks and I am looking forward to the season ahead.”

Louw added: “I think for me personally, the opportunity at the Lions was really good.

“It’s a great franchise and they really wanted me to join the team. I think it was a case of me wanting to come to a place where someone really wanted me.

“It was an easy decision and I think coming here has proved it so far.

“The coaches and the players have all backed each other and that’s the most important thing. If we back each other, I think we can go a long way.”

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A point to prove

Last weekend’s defeat to the Bulls marked a disappointing start for the Lions, but Louw believes the team is on the right track to right the wrongs against the Ospreys in Wales on Saturday.

“I don’t know if it is rustiness,” said Louw.

“I think the excitement was there and I think it is just about having outstanding basics.

“I think we are really focusing on that this week – outstanding basics. That was definitely a drawback for us last weekend.

“We are looking forward to fixing those errors this weekend.”