Lions lose five key players during Covid-19 contract window

The Lions announced the departure of five key players from the union on Friday.

The players are Malcolm Marx, Ruan Vermaak, Tyrone Green, Shaun Reynolds and Neil de Bruin.

As one of the terms of the Industry Salary Plan (ISP) to deal with the repercussions of Covid-19, SA Rugby introduced a 21-day window allowing for players and staff to cancel their current contracts with immediate effect.

Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company, thanked them for their valuable contributions, some of them having formed part of the Lions since their school-going days.

“There is always a big sense of loss and sadness when we lose family members. We wish them well on their journey ahead and thank them for some very special times spent with the Lions,” Straeuli said.

Marx, according to reports, is set for a move to Japan to join the Kubota Spears. The 25-year-old hooker was a member of the Springbok team which claimed the Rugby World Cup title last year, beating England 32-12 in the final in Yokohama, Japan, on November 2.

The Lions Rugby Company have appointed a Covid-19 task team that will ensure their premises are safe for staff to return to work once government regulations permit.

The Lions, however, have managed to keep star flyhalf Elton Jantjies at the union. Centre Wandisile Simelane is also staying put at the Lions.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo