The Emirates Lions have announced a quartet of signings for the coming season which may bolster the depth in their squad, but on the surface seem rather underwhelming.
While the Lions have not had the spending power of some of the other South African franchises, they announced the signing of two South African-born Zebre players as well as two local journeymen to bolster their squad.
Richard Kriel, who played for the Bulls before leaving for Zebre, is probably the most high-profile of these signings, and played a regular role for Zebre in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this past season.
While his brother David is still at the Bulls, Kriel will move across the jukskei and give the Lions some more depth at fullback in particular where they have Quan Horn and Andries Coetzee, as well as Tiaan Swanepoel, the latter who seems to have fallen out of favour with the coaching side.
Erich Cronje, who was previously at the Southern Kings and Pumas before moving to Zebre on a two year stint where he won 24 caps, will add more depth at centre, where the Lions have been a bit thin with Hencus van Wyk missing a large chunk of the year injured.
The other two players, Conraad van Vuuren, or “Beertjie” as he is well-known in rugby circles, is a journeyman who has played for Shimlas, the Cheetahs, Bulls and Sunwolves over the years.
Zander du Plessis signs from Griquas and the former Grey Kollege player has represented the Lions on loan before, gaining seven caps for them as well as 13 for Griquas.
His massive boot will also add depth to the backline where he can play flyhalf, centre and fullback.