Lions forwards coach joins Junior Boks

The Lions will be looking for a new forwards coach with immediate effect as Barend Pieterse has accepted a job with the SA under-20 team for the foreseeable future.

Pieterse was with the Cheetahs before joining the Lions and has had a successful run with the Lions and their rising star forwards under his tutelage.

Pieterse will join SA under-20 coach Kevin Foote’s management team in January and Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby match against the DHL Stormers will be his last.

The SA under-20s will be defending their World Championship crown they won earlier this year next year in June and will be under pressure to produce a similar performance.

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen praised Pieterse for his contribution to the Lions.

"Barend has made a huge contribution to us,” Van Rooyen said.

“He is an excellent coach and a great human being. He sacrificed quite a bit in terms of being away from his family during his time with us.

“The Junior Springboks are gaining a great coach and I've got no doubt that he can one day join the Springbok system."

The Lions made no announcement on his successor.