20 Lions players, including rising stars, extend contracts

With their big home performance this weekend against Zebre giving them something to crow about, the Emirates Lions announced that a host of players - including some of their key rising stars, have decided to extend their stay at the Lions.

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

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 28, 2023

Utility back and star of the moment Sanele Nohamba, rising stars Quan Horn, Francke Horn and Asenathi Ntlabakanye are all on a list of 20 players that were announced to have extended their contracts with the franchise.

Nohamba has been in sparkling form since shifting to 10 from his regular scrumhalf position while a number of others have shown potential in their play as they look to give the Lions a better performance this season with a possible chance of qualifying for the Investec Champions’ Cup.

Other big names to continue at Emirates Airline Park include winger Edwill van der Merwe, who was rumoured to be speaking to the DHL Stormers, captain Marius Louw and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.

Winger Rabz Maxwane, locks Reinhard Nothnagel and Ruben Schoeman and utility back Mannie Rass have all put pen to paper.

Others who have extended their contracts include PJ Botha, Ruan Venter, Morne Brandon, Renzo du Plessis, Morgan Naude, Raynard Roets, Ruan Delport, Ruhan Straeuli and Rynhardt Rijnsburger.

You'll be seeing more of these devastating backline players for seasons to come.#Committed #LionsPride pic.twitter.com/O1DGlhSG2I

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 28, 2023

“This is massive for us in that it emphasises our commitment towards nurturing and retaining talent for the franchise,” Head of Contracts and Operations at the Lions Rugby Company Tracy van Ginkel said.

“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 Lions will face the Dragons this weekend in their next URC outing.