Van der Linde signs with Lions

Johannesburg - Springbok prop CJ van der Linde has joined the Lions on a two-year contract from rivals Western Province, the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) said on Thursday.

Van der Linde, on duty with the Boks on their Tri-Nations tour, would officially join the Lions on August 1, the union said.

His contract would end on October 31, 2013.

"CJ comes with a wealth of experience and has tremendous value to add," said Lions coach John Mitchell.

"I'm really looking forward to working with a player of CJ's calibre and experience.

"I've always believed in developing youngsters as part of the expansion process and exposing them to experienced mentors such as CJ."

GLRU chief executive Manie Reyneke was also pleased to sign the former Cheetahs player.

"It is no secret that we've been speaking to CJ for the past few weeks," Reyneke said.

"We are both honoured and humbled to have a player of his calibre and vast experience joining the Lions."