Lions in talks with Alberts

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The Lions have confirmed that they are in talks to bring Stade Francais flank Willem Alberts back to Johannesburg next season.

Alberts, who began his professional career with the Lions before moving to the Sharks, was linked with a return to Ellis Park earlier this year.

The Lions will be without James Venter, who has moved back to Durban where he was schooled, Kwagga Smith, who will be playing in Japan, and captain Warren Whiteley, whose career is under threat after a series of knee injuries. Meanwhile, Hacjivah Dayimani will have his attention divided between the team and playing for the Blitzboks.

Nicknamed the ‘Bone Collector’, Alberts picked up a reputation while playing for the Lions for his crunching tackles and strong carries. He would also bring plenty of experience to what appears to be a youthful Lions loose trio.

Should Alberts decide to join the Lions, he would be the second veteran that the team has signed from France after they successfully convinced tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis to move from Montpellier.

The 35-year-old has been playing his rugby at Stade Francais after joining the Parisians from the Sharks in 2015. Stade Francais have endured a poor start to the 2019-20 season, resulting in coach and director of rugby Heyneke Meyer’s resignation.

Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

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SA Rugby magazine