Bok trio linked to Lions again

In a potentially significant coup for the union, three Springboks might be making their way back to the Lions.

Wing Ruan Combrinck, centre Lionel Mapoe (above) and prop Ruan Dreyer, who all plied their trades in Europe, were linked to possible moves according to a SupaRugby report.

When he was approached for comment, Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli could not confirm the news.

A spokesperson for the Lions, however, said it was unlikely they would discuss such movements until deals had been signed.

“I spoke to him (Straeuli) over the weekend over these acquisitions but he didn’t want to say anything,” the spokesperson said.

“All that he was willing to say at this time is that they are always willing to strengthen their group of players and will announce it as soon as something has been finalised as it is always a process.”

The 30-year-old Combrinck and 31-year-old Mapoe left the Lions two years ago to join French club Stade Francais, while 30-year-old Dreyer had a contract with Gloucester.

Combrinck had previously played 72 Super Rugby games for the Lions and seven Tests for the Boks, while Mapoe starred in 108 Super Rugby matches for the Joburg side (along with 12 for the Bulls) and 14 Tests. Dreyer held 80 Super Rugby caps and had played four Bok Tests.

Combrinck, however, had featured in only two games for Stade Francais since last year and Mapoe in just four, while Dreyer featured in just seven matches for Gloucester since the end of 2018.

The Lions, meanwhile, were also apparently still in talks with Bulls captain Burger Odendaal, as well as Bulls hooker Jaco Visagie, which could soften the blow after losing multiple star players including hooker Malcolm Marx, wing Tyrone Green and flyhalf Shaun Reynolds.

The Lions did, however, announce the appointment of Pieter Burger as the new managing director of Ellis Park Stadium, replacing Edgar Rathbone who had taken up the position of CEO at the Bulls.