Denny
Thanks for the above. I s uspected that Polalrd will opt or a Japanese Cub. Thy pay millions and players only h ave to pla y a maximum of 14 matches during the Japan season. Thya re not allowed to play for anybody else bar the test teams involving for isnatnce the Springboks.
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Henco van Wyk re-signs
In recent seasons the Lions have struggled to hold onto their big stars and while Sanele Nohamba has departed the club, there is some cause for celebration in Johannesburg.
Powerhouse prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye rejected a lucrative offer from Toulouse to sign a new deal with the men in red while rising stars Bronson Mills and Kelly Mpeku have signed senior contracts for next season.
Captain and star loose forward Francke Horn also snubbed overseas interest to pen an extension until 2028 and while the future of Edwill van der Merwe – who has been linked with a move to the Sharks – is still uncertain, there was more good news on Monday.
That is the news that star centre Henco van Wyk has signed a deal to remain with the Lions until 2027.
Rumours have been swirling about the highly-rated midfielder’s future with his contract expiring at the end of the season but confirmed that he will be sticking around for at least another two seasons.
“Really excited for what lies ahead with the Lions,” Van Wyk said in a Lions’ statement.
“A massive thank you for the opportunity and belief in me to do what I love.”
Van Wyk has been a key figure in the Lions backline for several seasons but is yet to make the step up to international rugby despite catching the attention of the Springboks coaching staff.
Rassie Erasmus repeatedly mentioned his name last year with the Bok boss spreading a wide net across his player pool in 2024 but unfortunately, the Lions midfielder sustained untimely injuries that denied him an opportunity to make his Test debut.
With Italy and Georgia visiting South Africa in July, he could well earn a call-up for those fixtures.
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Dallas McLeod re-signs
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have announced that one-cap All Blacks back Dallas McLeod has inked a contract extension until the end of 2026.
McLeod made his Test debut for the All Blacks ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, narrowly missing out on selection for the final tournament squad.
A versatile back, who can play in both centre positions and on the wing, he was regularly utilised by now-All Blacks boss Scott Robertson during his time in charge of the Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
However, he is yet to earn a recall to the Test set-up with Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown preferred by Robertson.
He did earn selection for the All Blacks XV last November scoring a try against Georgia while starting in the number 13 jumper.
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