According to Francke Horn, who recently put pen to paper, a spate of re-signings has given the Lions excitement ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers (2.30pm kick-off).
Horn was schooled in the Cape at Paarl Boys High, but has made his rugby home in Johannesburg, where he is hugely popular with Lions fans because of his adventurous play at No 8.
The 25-year-old’s good form suggests he could have moved on to greener pastures – locally or overseas – but he has recommitted to the Lions, along with fellow stars in prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and centre Henco van Wyk, until the end of 2027.
Locked in until 2027! 💥⚡#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/1J5zHJxxfB
Young KES old boys Kelly Mpeku and Bronson Mills (both centres) have also signed for the Lions as coach Ivan van Rooyen plans for the future.
“The new signings give us energy,” Horn said. “It gives clarity and most importantly, it gives the union stability.
“We are young, but have built up a lot of appearances and we have experienced everything.
“Knowing that we are still going to be together for the next two or three years counts a lot. It’s very exciting for the guys signing the extensions.”
The Lions have enjoyed a fortnight’s break after last playing on January 25, when they lost 35-22 to the Bulls at Ellis Park.
Horn says this gave the players and coaching staff a chance to discuss their ambitions.
“As a squad, we’ve set goals that we want to achieve over the next couple of years. We want to stay and succeed, to take the union forward. We have a lekker group of guys, and we are enjoying the style of play.”
The Lions are in 13th place on the URC log and some distance from a top-eight (and playoff) spot, but have played the least games (eight) in the tournament.
The overseas teams have all played 10 games and the other South African teams nine.
The Lions’ next four games are against local opposition, and this gives them a good chance to make headway on the log, starting with the Stormers on Saturday.
“We’ve played two games less than most teams and the log is still bunched,” Horn said.
“There are a lot of teams within five points of each other. The next four weeks are crucial for us. We need to win the SA derbies.
“We have been honest about it, and we can’t hide from it: the derbies come with a certain physical challenge and responsibility.”
Horn added that the derbies have the spice of playing against rivals for selection to the Springboks, and on Saturday, he is set to face another top No 8 in the Stormers’ Evan Roos.
“We are fired up for this one,” added Horn. “You play against guys in your position that are in the Springbok set-up, so it’s great to test yourself against the best.”
PJ 'Bere' Botha will be with us for a few more years.#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/Gsx1yS1R39
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 12, 2025
Horn confirmed that he has Bok ambitions, but his focus is on winning games for the Lions – and that would create a win-win situation.
“If we play well as a team, then individuals will get more opportunities and bigger honours,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Lions announced on Wednesday that hooker PJ Botha is the latest top player to sign a contract extension, until 2028.
“I just want to say thank you for all the support over the last eight years,” Botha said.
“It is a privilege to represent Johannesburg with this team and management.
“I am looking forward to still being part of the Lions family, and to make a difference.”