Lions shut the door on Sharks

The Golden Lions Rugby Union have already ‘caged’ one of their pride and hopes to have another player locked away soon, as the Sharks launch another of their now famous raids on Johannesburg.

Jan de Koning, rugby365

GLRU Chief Executive Manie Reynecke told rugby365.com on Friday that they have just concluded a new two-year deal with midfielder Doppies la Grange and he was confident of also retaining the services of Emerging Springbok scrumhalf Jano Vermaak.

It was reported that both Vermaak and La Grange, who have clauses in their contracts that allow them to be released and sign for another union, were being chased by the Sharks.

Vermaak is contracted with the Lions until 2011, but it was reported that he could join the Sharks.

However, Reyneke put an end to speculation that the Durban-based outfit will be able to launch another successful raid on Ellis Park – which have already netted players like Willem Alberts, Gerhard Mostert and Louis Ludik.

“Doppies [la Grange] has signed a contract extension till 2012,” Reyneke told rugby365.com.

“Yes, Jano [Vermaak] does have a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to leave, be we have been negotiating with him and I am confident that he will stay with us.”

Vermaak confirmed that he will remain with the Lions, even though the documentation still have to be completed.

Reyneke confirmed that apart from La Grange, prop Ross Geldenhuys has also renewed his contract with the Lions until June 2012, admitting that he was aware of the “rumours” that La Grange and Vermaak were to leave the Lions.

“I would like to now put the rumours to rest,” the GLRU CEO said.

“Doppies has just signed an extension on his current contract, and we are currently in the final stages of discussions with Jano, who will in all likelihood also sign within the next few days.

“We are very excited to have re-signed Doppies and Ross [Geldenhuys].

“Doppies has been a part of the Lions family for many years, and we are honoured to have a player of such quality and talent within our structures. Ross has been with us for just over two years.”