Head coach Swys de Bruin makes Lions exit

Lions have confirmed that head coach Swys de Bruin has departed from the Super Rugby club with immediate effect.

De Bruin, who had previously worked with Sharks and South Africa Under 21 sides, joined Lions as an assistant coach in 2013 before going on to take in charge of the side in 2017 after Johan Ackermann left for Gloucester.

Under the 59-year-old, Golden Lions went on to win the Currie Cup in 2015 and were losing semi-finalists in the 2016 and 2017 editions. The South African side also went on to reach the finals in the 2018 Super Rugby season where they lost to Crusaders but had a tough 2019 season when they missed the play-offs.

“It was an unbelievable seven years with the Lions family. Thank you to everyone who made it special and memorable," said de Bruin.

“I pray for the team to receive God’s blessings. The Lions will always have a special place in my heart, and always remember as a team who plays to score tries and inspire people by the way we play.”

"Swys has made a ground breaking contribution in the style of play and attacking patterns to the team whereby memorable tries have been scored at Emirates Airline Park,” CEO Rudolf Straeuli said.

“On behalf of the management, players and supporters we thank him and wish him well in his future endeavours.”