Sad farewell for Bulls-bound Mongalo

REACTION: As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Joey Mongalo bids a very emotional farewell to the Lions.

Mongalo has joined the Bulls as their new defence coach after a decade with the Lions, Bulls director of Rugby Jake White announced on Wednesday.

*Also read: White tackles breakdown 

During his tenure at the Lions, the 35-year-old served several roles including defence and attack for the Super Rugby, Currie Cup, SuperSport Rugby Challenge and junior teams.

He served as an assistant coach to the Junior Springboks in 2016; Director of Coaching at King Edwards the VII School in Johannesburg and the Defence Coach of Wits in the Varsity Cup.

He also spent a year as the Blue Bulls Company Marketing Assistant.

The former Junior Springbok took to social media to bid his official farewell to the very 'iconic workplace Ellis Park'.

"It is never easy to bid farewell, particularly when one has formed meaningful bonds with an astute organisation such as the Lions Rugby Company, an iconic “workplace” like Ellis Park and most importantly exceptional groups of players, staff and management teams, over the last decade," Mongalo said.

"This dear place and its extraordinary people have been good to me and my family over the years and I, in turn, have sought to faithfully serve the Lions brand. I am thankful to every coach and management member that I have served with or led, every player that I have had the privilege of coaching and all the ground, office and kitchen staff for making a positive difference in my life.

"Finally I would like to wish Altmann Allers, Rudolf Straeuli, Cash van Rooyen and Elton Jantjies all the best as they endeavour to uphold the legacy and pride that is synonymous with the Lions brand."

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