A rising Springbok back has reportedly shut the door on an overseas move to improve his chances of breaking into the Bok squad for the 2027 World Cup.
This means there’s now a fierce three-way tug-of-war between the Sharks, Bulls and Lions to secure the services of Quan Horn.
According to Rapport, the 24-year-old – contracted to the Lions until June 2026 – has formally withdrawn from negotiations with overseas clubs, opting instead to keep his career in South Africa to strengthen his push for a place in the Springbok squad ahead of rugby’s 2027 showpiece in Australia.
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The publication reports that while the Bulls and Lions both showed early interest, the Kimberley-born star has recently received a “lucrative” offer from Durban, putting the Sharks firmly in the race.
The Lions, desperate to avoid losing another standout player, are working tirelessly behind the scenes to retain the one-Test Bok.
Horn’s decision comes at a crucial moment for the Joburg-based union, who are simultaneously dealing with uncertainty around veteran hooker Jaco Visagie. The 33-year-old is awaiting medical clarity on whether he can continue his career after a neck injury.
Visagie, a former Bull with stints at Gloucester and Toulouse, has been a key figure for the Lions since 2020. His absence has seen the union lean on loaned Griquas hooker Janco Uys, with coach Ivan “Cash” van Rooyen also able to call on Franco Marais, Morné Brandon and Marno Grobbelaar.
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Off the field, the Lions are still operating without a main URC sponsor, but Rapport says talks with Qatar Airways are ongoing. The negotiations are said to be taking longer than expected due to the airline’s wider rugby ambitions, but the Lions remain optimistic that a breakthrough is close.
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The post Bok fullback commits to SA appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A rising Springbok back has reportedly shut the door on an overseas move to improve his chances of breaking into the Bok squad for the 2027 World Cup.
The post Bok fullback commits to SA appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
