The Lions have reportedly secured a trio of signings to improve their backline, while narrowing their search for a new forwards coach to three candidates.
Having missed out on a place in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs by three points, the Lions have secured their first set of signings on a quest to reach the playoffs.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Zebre’s South African duo of Richard Kriel and Erich Cronje have both agreed to move to Johannesburg.
Kriel, the younger brother of Vodacom Bulls’ utility back David, can play across the back three, as well as at centre. The 26-year-old Cronje, who came through at the Bulls before stints with the Southern Kings and Pumas, plays mainly at outside centre.
Along with those two, the Lions have signed Griquas playmaker Zander du Plessis. Another product of Pretoria, Du Plessis played eight times for the Lions on loan last season and will provide further depth at flyhalf, fullback and inside centre.
Meanwhile, the Lions are also finalising their search for a new forwards coach, after Albert van den Berg left the team to join Welsh side Scarlets.
Matt Proudfoot and Jonathan Mokoena have both reportedly been interviewed for the position, while ex-Springbok prop Wessel Roux is another favourite, as he is currently part of the coaching structures.
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