Horn: Contract extensions to grow Lions pride
Today at 08:01 AM
Francke Horn is one of three key Lions players to have signed extensions this week, and the No 8 believes the continuity will push the team to the next level.
“The new signings give us energy,” 25-year-old Horn said in a press conference on Tuesday. “It gives clarity and most importantly, it gives the union stability.
“We are young in age but we 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, that counts a lot.”
Stalwarts Horn and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye have committed their future to Ellis Park until 2028, while centre Henco van Wyk will remain a Lion until at least 2027. Midfield duo Kelly Mpeku and Bronson Mills have also joined the action by signing their first pro contracts with the Lions.
READ: Midfield maestro stays in Lions' den
“It’s very exciting for the guys signing the extensions,” Horn added. “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.
“If we play well as a team, then individuals will get more opportunities and bigger honours.”
The Lions host the Stormers in their return to URC action on Saturday and the pride are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Vodacom Bulls in late January. The Stormers are licking their wounds after a 33-32 defeat to the Bulls in Cape Town and desperately need a result this week.
“We are fired up for this one,” added Horn. “You play against guys in your position that are in the Springbok setup so it’s great to test yourself against the best.
“If something doesn’t go well on the weekend, players throw everything into fixing that – they didn’t do well in the scrums against the Bulls, so their pack will want to set the record straight. There will be a drive to be better against us.”
MORE: Ox is number one in URC
A Lions win would propel them up the table, having played eight games to the Stormers 10. It won’t be easy but a place in the playoffs is still a real possibility for Horn’s side, especially with their next four matches against SA rivals.
“We’ve played two games less and the log is still bunched. 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.
“You saw this weekend the importance of goal-kicking and one-point differences. We have to get it right on our side and build momentum going into the coming games.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Horn: Contract extensions to grow Lions pride appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
