Jantjies, Mapoe extend Lions contracts

Elton Jantjies and Lionel Mapoe have opted to extend their stay with the Lions.

Both concluded contract extensions with the union and will remain at Ellis Park until at least the end of next season.

Flyhalf Jantjies and centre Mapoe are both in the Springbok squad to take on Argentina in Durban on Saturday.

Their selection for the Boks helped secure their immediate future with the Lions.

Due to their involvement with the Springboks, their Super Rugby income will be augmented by SA Rugby.

Before the contracts were concluded, Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli told TimesLIVE the SA Rugby agreement was the only outstanding issue in the pair concluding new deals with the Super Rugby franchise.

Unlike previous seasons, Jantjies (NTT Shining Arcs) and Mapoe (Kubota Spears) did not have contracts to play in Japan over the next few months.

Japan’s top clubs are increasingly reluctant to contract foreign players who may be called up for their national teams.

By not travelling to Japan‚ however‚ the players increase the possibility of earning selection for the Bok team to the World Cup in 2019.

Solid performances for the Boks now will hugely enhance their chances‚ but both have some ground to make up to be regarded first-choice selections.

Since his Currie Cup debut in 2010 and his Super Rugby entry in 2011‚ Jantjies has been the team’s playmaker.

Mapoe joined the Lions in 2011. –