Lions sign four Pumas players on full-time basis
The players will be available immediately and could feature when the Lions return to URC action.
Former Pumas captain Pieter Jansen van Vuren has joined the Lions, along with three other players from the Mbombela-based union. Picture: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The Lions have secured the services of Pumas players Pieter Jansen van Vuren (lock), Morgan Naude (prop), Matt More (centre) and Ginter Smuts (scrumhalf) on a full-time basis.
Originally on loan to the Lions for their 2021 United Rugby Championship campaign, this new deal, in agreement with the Pumas, will see the quartet call the Lions their home for the next two years.
Head of Contracts and Operations at the Lions Rugby Company, Tracy van Ginkel said: “We are delighted to welcome Pieter, Morgan, Matt and Ginter to the Lions family on a full-time basis.
“We’ve been impressed with their contribution on and off the field over the past three months they’ve been with us, so we are extremely pleased to have secured their services.”
Van Ginkel went on to thank the Pumas for the fruitful negotiations resulting in the new arrangement.
The Lions resume their United Rugby Championship campaign against the Sharks at Ellis Park on 22 January.
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