In a significant boost for SA Rugby and the Lions, Bok hooker Malcolm Marx has extended his contract with the Johannesburg-based franchise until 2021.

On Friday, SA Rugby sent out a release to state that through the newly-established contracting model, they have been able to retain the services of the Springbok hooker by ensuring ‘the player’s career is managed and sustained’.

Marx will be able to enjoy a temporary release after the 2019 World Cup for a sabbatical in Japan, and he will return to South Africa and the Lions in June 2020.

Rudolph Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Company, said that they were immensely proud to retain the services of Marx: ‘Malcolm has always given the Lions and Springboks 100% effort and dedication and to ensure sustainability in the young player’s career, it is important that together we look after his wellbeing.’

Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby, added that he was delighted Marx had renewed his contract.

‘Malcolm has established himself as a world-class player and his contribution to the Springboks has been immense, so his decision to renew his contract with the Lions is very good news indeed,’ said Erasmus.

‘Malcolm’s contract renewal at the Lions is a fantastic result for the new contracting model that the players, unions and SA Rugby worked to agree on, and was announced on Friday.

‘It proves what can be achieved if we all work together with the best interests of the player and South African rugby in mind,’ added Erasmus.

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