Lions bolster front row stock, but no Odendaal

TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions have boosted their front row stock with the signing of hooker Michael van Vuuren.

The 31-year-old Van Vuuren will join the Lions from the Premiership club Wasps.

Born in East London, Van Vuuren started his career at the Cheetahs before moving to Stade Francais in 2012.

He returns to South Africa in 2014 and played for the Southern Kings.

Following his time with the Eastern Province side, he then headed to England where he enjoyed a seven-year-long career.

In England, the hooker played for Leicester Tigers, Bath, and Northampton Saints before settling at Wasps.

Van Vuuren will now return to South Africa after becoming available when Wasps went into administration, the second Premiership club to be suspended from England’s top domestic competition.

Worcester Warriors is the other.

Thus far, many players have found new clubs to restart their rugby careers.

Nizaam Carr joined the Bulls for the third time, while fellow Springbok Vincent Koch headed to Stade Francais.

There has also been speculation that Burger Odendaal could make a return to Ellis Park.

However, the Lions deny the link and it seems that the former Lions captain is likely to join Japan side Toyota Verblitz.

Northampton Saints is another option ahead of the 2023/24 Premiership season for Odendaal.

Source: Coventrytelegraph