Lions hunt ex-Sharks star

05/05/2024 03:08 AM

A former Sharks and Junior Springboks enforcer has reportedly agreed to return to South Africa to bolster the Lions’ pack next season.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the Lions have successfully lured former Sharks hooker Franco Marais back to South Africa after a long stint abroad.

The 31-year-old currently plays under former Lions coach Johan Ackermann at Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks.

Marais made his breakthrough at the Sharks in 2012, playing 42 Super Rugby games before leaving Durban in 2018 to join Ackermann at English side Gloucester.

The Lions have relied on PJ Botha and Jaco Visagie as their two frontline hookers in the Vodacom URC and Challenge Cup, so Marais’ arrival will add much-needed depth to the front row.

Marais will be the second big addition to Ivan van Rooyen’s squad, with the Lions already signing Vodacom Bulls loose forward WJ Steenkamp for next season.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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