A Lions lock will head to France at the end of June having signed a two-year deal with a Pro D2 club.
According to Rapport, Raynard Roets is set to join Biarritz on 1 July after two seasons in Joburg.
The 24-year-old former Junior Springbok is a product of Hoërskool Garsfontein. He joined the Lions in 2023 from the Vodacom Bulls and featured in both the URC and EPCR Challenge Cup.
Standing 1.97m tall and weighing 108kg, the athletic second-rower has battled injuries at times, which have limited his opportunities to cement a regular starting role under coach Ivan van Rooyen.
CASH: Lions have learned to find a way
Roets represented the Junior Boks in 2021 against Argentina, Georgia and Uruguay, underlining his pedigree at age-group level.
At Biarritz, Roets will join a growing South African contingent in France’s second division, including Heath Backhouse and Aston Fortuin, as well as former Scotland loose forward Cornell du Preez.
ALSO: Junior Boks lock adds bite to SWD pack
The Lions have significant depth at lock, with the likes of Dylan Sjöblom, Reinhard Nothnagel, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Ruan Delport and Ruben Schoeman among their options, while versatile forwards such as Ruan Venter and Batho Hlekani can also cover the position.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Lions lose lock to French club appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
