Marx, Whiteley signings good news, but ...

Cape Town - Lions fans will have been thrilled at the news that as many as 14 players have put pen to paper on new deals, but the fact that several of those have only signed for 12 months will raise concerns.

From Monday to Wednesday this week, the Lions issued statements confirming that all of - Elton Jantjies (flyhalf), Lionel Mapoe (centre), Warren Whiteley (No 8), Malcolm Marx (hooker), Ross Cronje (scrumhalf), Aphiwe Dyantyi (wing), Cyle Brink (flank), Marvin Orie (lock), Courtnall Skosan (wing), Dillon Smit (scrumhalf), Kwagga Smith (flank), Andries Coetzee (fullback), Ruan Combrinck (wing) and Dylan Smith (prop) - have extended their respective stays in Johannesburg.

Those signing off-set the exits of flank Jaco Kriel, lock Franco Mostert, centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg and props Ruan Dreyer and Jacques van Rooyen.

However, of those 14 players to have pledged their futures to the union, Jantjies, Mapoe, Marx and Whiteley, are reported to have only signed for one more year - up until the end of next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The fact that the Lions will have to renegotiate with the foursome will no doubt leave fans apprehensive.

G - " came a long way and yet not done with what we committed to " @LionsRugbyCo @13LionelMapoe14 pic.twitter.com/x8AW6iUUKn

— elton jantjies (@jantjies_elton) August 13, 2018