Lions lose forwards coach Albert van den Berg

The Lions camp has been rocked with the news that a key member of the coaching staff has rejected a contract renewal and called it quits on his time in Johannesburg.

On Wednesday, the Lions confirmed that forwards and lineouts coach Albert van den Berg had opted not to renew his contract with the Lions Rugby Company.

Van den Berg joined the Johannesburg franchise in September 2021 as the senior team’s forwards mentor and played a key role in the development of exciting youngsters during his time.

Van den Berg to move on

However, a reported conflict between Van den Berg and the union’s technical analyst Chris Venter has seen the former Springbok opt not to continue his career at Ellis Park.

Venter, who is responsible for preparing the coaches’ laptops before each game, allegedly took pictures of a WhatsApp conversation between Van den Berg and agent Dane Galley, as he suspected the former Springbok was responsible for leaking information to the media that has left the union red-faced recently.

Van den Berg has vehemently denied leaking any information to the media.

The 51-capped international will now continue his coaching journey at an undisclosed club, reported to be based overseas.

The Lions Rugby Company (LRC) thanked Van den Berg for his services during his time in Doornfontein.

“On behalf of our Chairman Mr Altmann Allers and the LRC board, we would like to thank Albert for his contribution to the team over the past two seasons,” said chief executive Rudolph Straeuli in a statement.

“He joined us at time when the franchise embarked on our United Rugby Championship debut season and later, the EPCR Challenge Cup.

“We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on their next chapter.”

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.