Share

Deadline day: Lions set to lose Marx, scrambling to keep Jantjies

The Lions could lose two of their biggest stars with World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx opting out of his contract with the Johannesburg franchise.

Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021

Marx, who recently returned from a so-called sabbatical stint in Japan, will be returning to the country to run out for the Kubota Spears, who are coached by former two-time Super Rugby champion coach Frans Ludeke.

Moreover, Lions captain Elton Jantjies is also said to have asked to be released from his contract to take up an offer from French club Agen, but insiders say the union is still scrambling to keep him.

While he did not confirm the departures of the two senior players, Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli expressed disappointment at losing various key players.

He said confirmation of all departures would be made later today.

Another significant blow, particularly in terms of future continuity, is exciting young winger and fullback Tyrone Green, who has an English suitor, rumoured to be Harlequins. 

The Lions have been on a big drive in recent years to hold onto their "homegrown" talent and Green’s loss would be a massive blow.

The good news is that they managed to hang on to centre Wandisile Simelane, who was believed to be unhappy at the Lions after being starved of game time in this year’s shortened Super Rugby season.

Simelane, who shares an agent with new Bulls director-of-rugby Jake White, chose to remain with the Lions despite the apparent unhappiness.

"We're naturally disappointed about the players who are leaving us," Straeuli told Sport24, opting not to identify any departees.

"But it's the name of the game. The clause was negotiated in the best interests of South African rugby, to keep it viable in these difficult times. It was a given that we'd only receive confirmation of players' plans at a late stage and we have to accept that. 

"In the end, this is the situation we find ourselves in. We need to remember that we have a responsibility to keep the local industry alive."

Straeuli also lauded the players who will be sticking it out at Ellis Park.

"We have immense respect for them too. We're grateful for the players and staff who are making huge sacrifices." 

Professional rugby players in the country had until midnight on Thursday - the end of a three-week window - to leave their existing contracts with their unions.

It was a clause was agreed upon by the SA Rugby Industry, MyPlayers and the South African Rugby Employers' Organisation (Sareo) last month as part of SA Rugby's efforts to cut costs in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE