Signing spree! Lions lock in 20 key campaigners

The Lions have announced that 20 players opted to sign contract extensions until 2025.

The likes of captain Marius Louw, scrumhalf/flyhalf Sanele Nohamba, winger Edwill van der Merwe, loose forward Francke Horn, scrumhalf Morne van der Berg and prop Asenathi Ntlabakaye are among the players opting to stay put in Johannesburg.

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"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,” forwards coach Barend Pieterse told reporters.

Look who’s hanging around a little longer. ??#LionsPride?? pic.twitter.com/CFXQSZX3Yx

The Lions' Head of Contracts and Operations, Tracy van Ginkel, added: "This is massive for us in that it emphasises our commitment towards nurturing and retaining talent for the franchise.

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

"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."

The other players who have put pen to paper include Quan Horn (fullback), Rabz Maxwane (winger), Reinhard Nothnagel (lock), PJ Botha (prop), Ruan Venter (loose forward), Morne Brandon (hooker), Renzo du Plessis (loose forward), Morgan Naude (prop), Raynard Roets (lock), Ruan Delport (lock), Ruben Schoeman (lock), Ruhan Straeuli (flank), Rhynardt