Lions lose their grip on Hendrikse

NEWS: The Lions have agreed to an early release of their Springbok flyhalf.

"The Lions Rugby Company and the Sharks have mutually agreed to release Jordan Hendrikse as of July 1," they said in a statement.

Earlier the Lions hinted that they will hold Hendrikse to his contract, which only runs to its conclusion in December.

However, having made his Test debut in the 41-13 win over Wales at Twickenham last month, the 23-year-old is currently on Bok duty and not available for the Lions.

In fact, it is obvious he has already played his last game for them and keeping him to his contract would have been meaningless and frankly childish.

In February it was confirmed that he has signed with the Durban-based Sharks.

His agency, Roc Nation Sports International, told @rugby365com it is an "all-important career move" for the talented young player.

He will join Bok brother Jaden Hendrikse in Durban.

"I would like to thank everyone at the [Lions] franchise who made an impact during my journey," Hendrikse said on Wednesday.

@rugby365com