NEWS: The Lions' new Springbok Jaco Kriel has been afforded a stint with the Japanese club Kubota Spears.
As was reported by rugby365 some weeks ago, Kriel will head to Japan after completion of his Super Rugby duties in 2016.
He will return to the Lions in time for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
This will be a two-year deal and Kriel will be available for the Springboks during this time.
"We see this as an opportunity which is mutually beneficial to both the Golden Lions Rugby Union and our players, as we therefore manage to secure their services for a longer period of time," said Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the GLRU.
Kriel, who captained the Lions in South Africa's premiers domestic competition in 2015, said winning the Currie Cup in 2015 was another feather in his cap and he therefore appreciate the opportunity to venture overseas during the Currie Cup season and experience another culture.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity of living and playing abroad and bringing back new ideas to my Lions teammates," Kriel said.
"This has been successfully done by Elton [Jantjies], Lionel [Mapoe] and Warwick [Tecklenburg] in the past.
"I feel I can contribute immensely and I really look forward to the challenge.
"Kubota has established an exciting team of players and coaches for this season and I am excited to be part of this new chapter," Kriel added.
