Lions confirm host of player departures

Cape Town - The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) has issued a list of players who will be moving on from the Gauteng-based franchise ahead of this year's Currie Cup.

Via a media release issued on Tuesday, the Golden Lions said goodbye to no fewer than 10 players, including a number of Springboks.

Those seeking greener pastures elsewhere are: Ruan Combrinck, Robbie Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza, Nic Groom, Danie Mienie, Robert Kruger, Harold Vorster, Lionel Mapoe, Stephan Lewies and Franco Naude.

Mapoe and Combrinck, who were both left out of the latest Springbok squad for the Rugby Championship, are set to join former Bulls and Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer at Stade Francais.

Scrumhalf Nic Groom has already been confirmed to be joining Edinburgh, while lock Stephan Lewies has signed for Harlequins.

Hooker Robbie Coetzee, back Sylvian Mahuza, prop Danie Mienie, flank Robert Kruger as well as centres Harold Vorster and Franco Naude will also leave holes in key positions.

The Golden Lions finished third in the seven-team standings in last year's Currie Cup and were beaten 33-24 by eventual champions, the Sharks, in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the Lions confirmed their management teams for the Currie Cup and Under-21 tournaments.

Currie Cup

Head coach - Ivan van Rooyen

Forwards - Philip Lemmer

Breakdown and Defence - Sean Erasmus

Attack - Neil de Bruin

Scrum consultant - Julian Redelinghuys

Strength and Conditioning -Rupert Oberholster

Manager - Mustapha Boomgaard

Team physician - Dr Rob Collins

Physiotherapist - Preven Appalsamy

Massage therapists - Ram Mpila & Carol Dickson

Kit - Johane Singwane

Under-21

Head Coach - Joey Mongalo

Forwards - Wessel Roux

Attack - Mziwakhe Nkosi

Strength and Conditioning - Stefan van Deventer

Manager - MJ Rabodiba

Team physician - Dr Anri van Tonder

Physiotherapist - Pam Watts

Kit - Bestall Mondo

The Under-21 tournament started on June 12, while the Currie Cup kicks off on Friday, July 12.

Player Announcement: The Lions Rugby Company bids farewell to the following players:@R_Combrinck15 @robbie_CL2
Sylvian Mahuza
Nic Groom
Danie Mienie
Robert Kruger@HaroldVorster @13LionelMapoe14 @lewies4
Franco Naude#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/0VmU3BTINk

— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 2, 2019