Cape Town - Former Springboks are happy with the appointment of Swys de Bruin as new Lions coach.
The Johannesburg-franchise announced on Tuesday that De Bruin, currently the team’s assistant coach, will take over as head coach after this year’s Super Rugby competition.
He will replace Johan Ackermann, who recently signed a deal as head coach of English side Gloucester.
The general consensus is that De Bruin, who has been the Lions’ assistant coach for five years, was a deserved appointment.
Three former Springboks shared that notion and took to social media to express their satisfaction at the appointment.
James Small, a former Springbok and Lions wing, tweeted:
@LionsRugbyUnion congrats Swys.. well deserved!!!
— James Terence Small (@JamesTerenceSm1) July 12, 2017
Another former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse also took to Twitter, while former Bok and Lions lock Kobus Wiese retweeted the news when the Lions made the appointment official.
Great to hear Swys de Bruin will take over as Lions HeadCoach,good for continuity,and a very intelligent and passionate man,Goodluck!
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) July 11, 2017
Congratulations Swys! Very happy and proud to have you as our Head Coach! @4KobusWiese
— Trevor James (@trevorjames11) July 11, 2017