Van der Sluys stays with the pride

Rudolph Jacobs

Sturdy lock Wilhelm van der Sluys (right) has confirmed his contract extension with the Golden Lions, as the team embarks on a new journey to restore its pride.

Following the announcement of seven recent new signings, the 28-year-old former Western Province lock believed great things were in store for the team.

“I am really grateful to still be part of the Lions family, especially in these unprecedented times, and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead,”

said Van der Sluys, who joined the Lions from the Exeter Chiefs last year.

Another player to extend his deal was 24-year-old former Province fullback Tiaan Swanepoel, who was lured from West Harbour in New Zealand last year and started for the Lions earlier this season, before Andries Coetzee returned from Japan.

“The Lions give players the opportunity to live out their passion,” Swanepoel said.

“I am thankful to remain a Lion and I am very happy here.”

The Lions were one of eight teams to resume non-contact training yesterday, subject to strict safety protocols.

One of their new signings who would have to wait to link up with the squad, however, was centre EW Viljoen who had joined the Lions from English club Leicester Tigers.

“I am super excited to join the rest of the team but at the moment I’m still stuck in the UK and waiting for the first flight out of here,” Viljoen said.

“I have never lived in Joburg and don’t know what it is like to live there, but super excited to join the rest of the squad.

“The Lions have been the top

SA side for the last couple of years and I’m excited to hopefully play my part in a bright future environment,” the former Stormers midfielder added.