Swys lured prop to Lions

Former Lions Super Rugby coach Swys de Bruin played an instrumental role in securing the prized signature of Carlu Sadie (above) last year, the big tighthead revealed.

Tipped as a future Springbok, 23-year-old Sadie enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, despite being involved in a tug-of-war between the Lions and the Stormers.

“Coach Swys approached me at the time and my agent saw it as a great opportunity to get some game time, compared to what my situation was at the Stormers,” said Sadie, a former member of the SA U-20 team.

“They had two great tightheads (Frans Malherbe and Wilco Louw) and I needed to get game time, so we made the call and moved to Joburg.”

Western Province, however, demanded that Sadie return to Cape Town to join them for the 2019 Currie Cup, while Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli continued with talks in an attempt keep him on their books.

“I enjoyed myself thoroughly at the Lions and I just grew so much at the union, and their people were wonderful,” Sadie said.

“But at that time I was still under contract at the Stormers and was on loan, while the Lions and the Stormers were still negotiating.”

Sadie, who starred in 22 Super Rugby games for the Lions since last year (while he played in only nine for the Stormers), had since made his way back to Gauteng after signing a deal with the Lions ahead of the 2020 season.

“I couldn’t wait to come back and the Lions welcomed me with open arms and made me part of the family,” he said.

“I will go out of my way to give back what the Lions provided for me and the opportunities they have given me.”

Meanwhile, players were set to undergo medical testing this week, with multiple players having recovered from injuries sustained prior to or during the national lockdown, including Vincent Tshituka (ankle), fellow flank Jaco Kriel (ankle) and lock Rhyno Herbst (shoulder) who were all in the process of rehabilitation.