Share

Past players to help Lions

Pieter Jordaan

Johannesburg – A number of former Golden Lions players are eager to establish a committee to help the embattled union.

The former players met at the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) on Tuesday night to discuss the role that such a committee may be able to play in the future.

The likes of Francois Pienaar and Hennie le Roux are apparently among the former players that are concerned about the struggling team.

Former Springbok lock Kobus Wiese could not attend the meeting due to other commitments, but said that any union, but especially the Lions, could benefit from such a committee.

“The idea is for us to play an advisory role. There are, of course, certain conditions and one of them is that the advice needs to be taken seriously. If not, it will be a waste of time,” said Wiese.

 Following a season in which the team lost all 12 its games, those who have the Lions close to their hearts are rightly upset.

Wiese said this year’s performances were “unacceptable” and that change was needed at the Lions.

“It’s of critical interest that something happens and it’s now time that serious changes are made. It’s a proud union with such a beautiful stadium. The way things are going now is unacceptable,” said Wiese.

Lions management, meanwhile, have dismissed as “pure speculation” claims that the GLRU are eager to contract the likes of Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Butch James (Bath) and Jean de Villiers (Munster).

Director of rugby Dick Muir will on Thursday name his Super 14 side that will take on the Cheetahs in Welkom on Saturday.

Captain and flanker Cobus Grobbelaar will play in spite of his wife giving birth earlier this week.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE