Quadruple signings boost for Lions
The pride of Johannesburg has secured the signatures of four experienced campaigners, as they bid to reach the playoffs next season.
The Lions were thrilled to confirm the acquisition of four experienced and promising recruits, two of who were playing extensively in Europe, for next season.
Having missed out on a place in the 2022/23 Vodacom URC quarter-finals by three points, the Lions have secured their first set of signings on a quest to reach the playoffs next season.
Zebre’s South African duo of Richard Kriel (22) and Erich Cronje (26) have both agreed to move to Johannesburg.
Kriel, the younger brother of Vodacom Bulls’ utility back David, can play across the back three as well as at centre. Cronje, who came through at the Bulls before stints with the Southern Kings and Pumas, plays mainly at outside centre.
Along with those two, the Lions have signed Griquas playmaker Zander du Plessis and Cheetahs tighthead prop Conraad van Vuuren.
Du Plessis (23) played eight times for the Lions on loan last season and will provide further depth at flyhalf, fullback, and inside centre, while the 27-year-old Van Vuuren has featured prominently in the Cheetahs’ march to the Currie Cup semi-finals this season.
Signed and sealed for the 2023/24 season. Welcome to Jozi.#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/qhF4KearQm
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) June 13, 2023
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