Lions snap up versatile back Viljoen

First he made a name for himself in the hooped blue-and-white Stormers jersey, but now utility back EW Viljoen hopes to make it big in the red-and-white Lions jumper.

The Golden Lions confirmed yesterday that Viljoen would join them from Leicester Tigers in the UK, where he played just four matches last year due to injury.

It was in Cape Town, however, where the 25-year-old Viljoen – able to play at centre, fullback and wing – had previously made a name for himself, turning out in 29 Super Rugby games for the Stormers and 37 Currie Cup matches for Western Province.

He also played Craven Week for the Free State in 2012 and 2013, was included in the SA Schools side in 2013, and featured for the SA U-20 side in 2015.

Viljoen was the fifth big-name player the Lions had recently signed, following the announcements that fullback Divan Rossouw (Bulls), wing Rabz Maxwane (Cheetahs), prop Ruan Dreyer (Gloucester) and centre Burger Odendaal (Bulls) had all joined the Joburg side.

Jake White, director of rugby at the Bulls, believed Odendaal would be a big asset to the Lions, after it was revealed earlier this week that the former Bulls captain would be crossing the Jukskei

for the next stage of his career.

“Burger has poured a lot of himself into the Bulls family over many years, and for that we are eternally grateful,” White said.

“He is a great guy that has had an impact on many players at Loftus, and I have no doubt that he will do really well at the Lions.

“We sincerely wish him all of the best with his career going forward.”

After spending the last nine seasons at the Bulls, Odendaal admitted it wasn’t easy to leave Loftus.

“It is with a heavy heart I leave Loftus but will cherish the good memories and hope I made lifelong friendships,” he said.