Bulls star recruited by Lions

Talented young Blue Bulls lock Franco Mostert tops the list of new recruits unveiled by the Golden Lions Rugby Union on Thursday.

The hard-working 21-year-old came through the Bulls junior ranks and had an excellent Varsity Cup, helping Tukkies to their first title in the competition.

With his 'never say die' attitude, massive workrate and high fitness levels Moster made his Bulls senior debut this year.

He is joined in the trek across the Jukskei by Lionel Cronjé, another young player from Pretoria who is looking for more game time in Johannesburg.

Cronjé, a versatile backline player who can operate as a flyhalf or fullback, was named in the Bulls Super Rugby squad, but a chest injury prevented him from getting any game time.

He played a handful of Currie Cup games for the Blue Bulls this year.

Cronjé previously played for the Stormers and Western Province before making the move north ahead of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

The arrival of Mostert and Cronje in Johannesburg follows the departure of talented flank Warwick Tecklenburg, who also crossed the Jukskei river ahead of the 2013 season.

Mostert will fill the gap vacated by the departure of second row players like Wikus van Heerden (retired), Franco van der Merwe (on loan tio the Sharks), Paul Willemse (to the Bulls), Ruan Botha (Western Province) and Ettienne Oosthuizen (Brumbies).

Apart from Moster and Cronje, the GLRU also revealed the signing of Jacques van Rooyen (Blue Bulls), Robbie Coetzee (Blue Bulls), Hugo Kloppers (Western Province), JJ Breedt (Blue Bulls), Stokkies Hanekom (Stellenbosch) and Kobus de Kock (Sharks).

These players will join the Lions for the Lions Challenge series - the matches they have arranged against international opposition in the absence of Super Rugby - which will take place from January to August 2013.

The majority of these players will also take part in the Lions' 2013 Currie Cup campaign.

Lions assistant coach Johan Ackermann said he is pleased with the new recruits and is looking forward to working with them throughout the season.

"I am very happy that these players have decided to join us and further their rugby careers here at the Lions," Ackermann said.

"I am looking forward to working with them as I saw potential in each and every one of them.

"I trust they will feel at home at the Lions and enjoy their time on and off the field. I also believe that they will work hard and make our Lions supporters proud."