After an initial silence in recruitment of players after an exodus during South Africa’s ‘transfer window’, the Emirates Lions picked up the pace with a series of signings, including two latest additions.
Just days after securing the services of centre Burger Odendaal from the Vodacom Bulls, the Lions raided their Super Rugby rivals again and signed hooker Jaco Visagie.
The 28-year-old represented the Blue Bulls at several levels such as in U-19, U-21, the Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby.
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White thanked Visagie for his service to the club and wished him well at his new club.
“Jaco has been a loyal servant and warrior for the #BullsFamily for ten years, and has given his best in that time. I wish him well as he embarks on this new chapter in his rugby career at the Emirates Lions.”
Visagie, who has also played for English side Gloucester and French side Toulouse, said he was looking forward to beginning a new chapter in his career.
“It’s been an amazing journey to say the least, filled with highs and lows, and I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunities that I have been granted at Loftus. I’d like to thank my teammates, the management, the staff and everybody else that’s contributed to my career thus far. I’m excited about the next step, and look forward to the journey ahead.”
The Lions also strengthened their backline after signing centre EW Viljoen who was previously with English Premiership Rugby club Leicester Tigers.
Viljoen had only signed for Leicester before the 2019/20 season but left in May following a mass clear out at the club.
Viljoen can also play as a winger of full-back meaning that despite the Lions already having a number of centres, including the recently signed Burger Odendaal, he will not be short of playing options.
The 25-year-old also featured for Western Province and the DHL Stormers, whom he only played for 28 times in Super Rugby since his debut in 2017 due to injuries.
He also represented South Africa at schoolboy and Under-20s level where he made his name starring in South Africa’s third-place finish at the Junior World Championship.
