Mostert enjoying life at Lions

Johannesburg - Lions lock Franco Mostert is determined to help the Johannesburg team achieve more growth and success, while he also hopes to receive a Springbok call-up in the near future.

From a South African perspective, the young Lions lock - affectionately known as “Sous” to his team-mates - was one of the standout performers during this year’s Super Rugby season.

Mostert, 24, started every match for the Lions as they achieved one of their most successful tournament campaigns, winning nine of their 16 fixtures and falling narowly short of a playoffs berth.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the top six, Mostert believes the Lions can take a lot of confidence from their performances.

“Many people have short memories. A few years ago, when we were left out of Super Rugby, many people thought that was the end of Lions rugby,” Mostert told MyPlayers.co.za.

“However, the entire union came together to ensure the necessary plans and structures were in place to rebuild. We’ve made great progress over the past two years, and we’re definitely headed in the right direction.”

When questioned about his impressive individual form, Mostert was quick to credit his team-mates.

“The guys around me definitely made me look good!” he said with a laugh. “Rugby is not a one-man sport. Every player who was on the field deserves credit for what the Lions have achieved as a team.

“Even at training, we have worked hard together to improve our basics. Last year, my lineout success was sitting below 80%. During Super Rugby, my lineout success was over 80%, so I was very happy with our efforts to improve at the set-piece.

“Warren Whiteley and I were the two players who started every match, but we did leave the field because of unfortunate yellow cards! So it was definitely a team effort,” Mostert quipped again.

Since joining the Lions from the Bulls in 2013, Mostert has committed to the Johannesburg-based union until the end of 2016, and hopes to continue his progress.

“Many of the guys have signed on until 2016 and 2017, which proves the players are happy here and want to achieve success as a team,” said Mostert. “We’re headed in the right direction, and I want to be a part of the journey.

“When I moved from the Bulls, I used to drive from Pretoria to Johannesburg for every practice and match for the first two months, but today, I’m settled in.

“Hopefully, I can continue my personal growth and progress to catch the attention of the national selectors. It’s my big dream to play for the Springboks in the near future.”