The Lions have pulled off a major recruitment coup ahead of the next United Rugby Championship (URC) season, with Junior Springbok star Bathobele Hlekani set to make the move from Durban to Johannesburg.
The 20-year-old utility forward, who was born in Zwide in the Eastern Cape and educated at Graeme College, starred for South Africa at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, will join the Lions squad following the conclusion of the 2025 Currie Cup.
Key role
Hlekani played a key role in helping the Junior Boks lift the U20 title for the first time since 2012, showcasing his versatility, physicality, and tactical awareness.
His performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks’ two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg, alongside fellow Junior Springboks Haashim Pead and Cheswill Jooste.
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Although currently part of the Sharks’ Currie Cup squad, Hlekani did not feature in their opening match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, as he was rested following a demanding international schedule.
Hlekani made his senior debut for the Sharks in the 2024 Currie Cup and came off the bench in their European Challenge Cup Round-of-16 clash against French giants Lyon in April.
Lions reinforce for the future
Hlekani’s upcoming switch bucks the recent trend of young talent heading from Johannesburg to Durban, and strengthens a Lions side already busy in the transfer market.
The union recently secured scrumhalf Haashim Pead through to 2028 and snapped up a trio of schoolboy stars from Grey College – Ethan Adams, Sherwin Buys, and David Hayidakis – widely regarded as some of the most exciting young prospects in South African rugby.
The move signals the Lions’ intent to rebuild and compete aggressively in both the URC and domestic competitions, with a clear focus on emerging talent and long-term squad development.
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