The exodus of senior players from the Golden Lions in Johannesburg is continuing unabated. American Eagles captain Todd Clever has joined the growing list of players departing ahead of the Currie Cup season that kicks off next month.
This follows after a recent announcement that Springbok prop Heinke van der Merwe will be leaving the Golden Lions to play for Irish club Leinster on a two-year deal.
Now add to that other departures in the last 12 months such as World Cup-winning Springboks Jaque Fourie (to the Stormers) and Andre Pretorius (Western Force), Willem Alberts (Sharks), Louis Ludik (Sharks), Gerhard Mostert (Sharks), Dewald Senekal (Toulon, France), Willie Wepener (Clermont, France), Ernst Joubert (Saracens, England), Ethienne Reynecke (Saracens, England) and Anton van Zyl (Stormers).
It is obvious that player recruitment remains a problem in for the Johannesburg-based outfit.
After three seasons as a Lion, the American flank, Clever, bids South Africa goodbye and turns to new opportunities with Japan-based Suntory.
The move will allow the 27-year-old Clever not only to prove himself in another league, but also to spend more time playing and promoting the game in his home country.
“It is now time to take the next step in my career and explore new challenges,” Clever told eaglesxv.com in an interview.
“I have decided to continue my playing career in Japan and also focus on helping USA Rugby reach higher plateaus of achievement.”
Clever departs from South Africa on good terms, taking with him fond memories of the team he is leaving behind.
“I am thankful for the opportunities that the Lions have given me,” said Clever, the only American playing Super Rugby.
“I have had three seasons here ā two Super 14s and a Currie Cup. I have had three coaches and have won over each of them by showing my dedication and heart. I have been proud to put on the Lions jersey week in and week out.”
This article is courtesy of rugby365.com
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Oh well… š
I see its business as usual in Lions country!! š š
In all seriousness, how will he test himself in Japan? The Japanese league is like the scrap heap of players who should have already retired.
@lostfish (Comment 2) : He will be seriously ‘big in Japan’
So we can expect the Lions to end last and be demoted to the 2nd tier tournament š Poor Waylon
So will Peter Grant, even if he to braai “stoksiel alleen op ‘n Saterdagaand” š
He’s actually Clever
Us Sharks supporters should be gratefull that we are not where the Lions fans find themselves. We might not be winning silver but neither are we losing everything.
@JarsonX (Comment 7) : Let’s just hope this isn’t the start of the rot š
You have to ask yourself. How true is the rumour that John Smit is going to the Lions?
If John was going to the Lions then surely this would be a massive draw card to KEEP the players, not to LOSE them.
It would seem that the entire Lions setup is one big mess. It would also appear that the “audit” of the union by JW did not really resolve anything. Pity… I really hope they can get their house in order. But hey let’s rather worry about some of our own administrators before we worry about those of the Lions.
@KSA Shark Ā© (Comment 9) : who knows what will happen
Walter Venter has been axed from the 35 man squad, now is the time the Sharks must loan him from the Lions, very very simple.
@Tiger (Comment 12) : That is concerning though if he can’t make the LIONS squad do we really want him??
@Pokkel (Comment 13) : neither could Jean Deysel…
Can you guys confirm if Rory got gametime while he was at the Lions??
Or was he behind Ricky and Vermaak in the pecking order??
Neither did the following make it at the Lions. Jean Deysel, Rory Kocket, Duwyn Vermeulen,And they are all big ones now.
Tiger
I thought Vermeulen was signed by Rassie while he was at the Pumas.
Was he at the Lions first??
@robdylan (Comment 14) : True
@wpw (Comment 17) :
He studied at UJ
Thanks Walter
@wpw (Comment 15) : Rory played 3 matches for the Lions in the Currie Cup, starting only once
Walter
Do u have any idea what the average crowd attendance was at Coke Park during the S14??
@wpw (Comment 22) : Including or excluding the Sharks game š š