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Johannesburg - Willie Britz is looking forward to returning "home" when he continues his career at the Cheetahs in 2015.
The Lions flank has agreed a deal to join the Cheetahs next year. He believes he'll settle in quite nicely, having played for Shimlas in the Varsity Cup during his studies at Free State University.
"It will be like I'm returning home," Britz told the MyPlayers website. "I spent five-and-a-half years in Bloemfontein during my studies, and I still have plenty of mates over there.
"The reality is that I'm behind the likes of Warren Whiteley and Derick Minnie at the Lions. So the move to the Cheetahs offers me more opportunity to get game time."
The Cheetahs will lose several key players ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby campaign, including the likes of captain Adriaan Strauss, flank Lappies Labuschagné (both Bulls), Johan Goosen (Racing Métro), Hennie Daniller (Zebre), Riaan Smit (Oyonnax), Ligtoring Landman (Newport Gwent Dragons), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors) and Andries Ferreira (Zebre).
However, Britz believes the Cheetahs can still remain competitive.
"The Lions hardly had any big-name players going into this year's Super Rugby tournament, but we went on to secure our most successful campaign in the franchise's history," said Britz.
"Credit must be given to our coach, Johan Ackermann, who did a great job rebuilding this team.
The players also played for each other as there is a strong brotherhood within the squad."
Britz added that the Lions will be aiming for Currie Cup glory, with their impressive Super Rugby campaign setting great momentum. The Lions last won the Currie Cup title in 2011, after beating the Sharks at Ellis Park.
"We won't lose too many players after Super Rugby, so there's plenty of consistency," said Britz. "Super Rugby has given the team plenty of confidence and momentum, and we'll use that to make sure we're successful in the Currie Cup."
For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za
The Lions flank has agreed a deal to join the Cheetahs next year. He believes he'll settle in quite nicely, having played for Shimlas in the Varsity Cup during his studies at Free State University.
"It will be like I'm returning home," Britz told the MyPlayers website. "I spent five-and-a-half years in Bloemfontein during my studies, and I still have plenty of mates over there.
"The reality is that I'm behind the likes of Warren Whiteley and Derick Minnie at the Lions. So the move to the Cheetahs offers me more opportunity to get game time."
The Cheetahs will lose several key players ahead of the 2015 Super Rugby campaign, including the likes of captain Adriaan Strauss, flank Lappies Labuschagné (both Bulls), Johan Goosen (Racing Métro), Hennie Daniller (Zebre), Riaan Smit (Oyonnax), Ligtoring Landman (Newport Gwent Dragons), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors) and Andries Ferreira (Zebre).
However, Britz believes the Cheetahs can still remain competitive.
"The Lions hardly had any big-name players going into this year's Super Rugby tournament, but we went on to secure our most successful campaign in the franchise's history," said Britz.
"Credit must be given to our coach, Johan Ackermann, who did a great job rebuilding this team.
The players also played for each other as there is a strong brotherhood within the squad."
Britz added that the Lions will be aiming for Currie Cup glory, with their impressive Super Rugby campaign setting great momentum. The Lions last won the Currie Cup title in 2011, after beating the Sharks at Ellis Park.
"We won't lose too many players after Super Rugby, so there's plenty of consistency," said Britz. "Super Rugby has given the team plenty of confidence and momentum, and we'll use that to make sure we're successful in the Currie Cup."
For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za
