TRANSFER NEWS: The Lions are continuing to bolster their ranks with senior Springboks returning from France.

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The Lions Rugby Company confirmed that they are in talks with veteran flank Willem Alberts.

Alberts, 35, has been playing for Stade Français since 2015.

The news follows in the wake of confirmation that veteran Bok prop Jannie du Plessis has signed with the Ellis Park-based franchise from Montpellier in France.

Other off-season signings include Dan Kriel (from the Stormers), Roelof Smit (from the Bulls), Francke Horn (Western Province Under-21), James Mollentze (Free State Under-21), Tiaan Swanepoel (West Harbour, Sydney), Duncan Matthews (Bulls) and Jamba Ulengo (Blue Bulls).

Alberts, who was schooled at Monument in Krugersdorp, played 43 Tests for the Boks between his debut against Wales at in Cardiff in 2010 and his last appearance on the international stage against Italy in Florence in 2016.

He played 50-odd games for the Lions in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, before moving to the Sharks in 2010, where he featured in 90-off games.

The Lions Rugby Company can confirm that we are in talks with flanker Willem Alberts.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/v3SUpawgkB — Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 27, 2019

Absolute character!

Would be awesome seeing him back in Joburg 🕺🏼 https://t.co/lMp4njtgNs pic.twitter.com/KEC7e9CNFb — Elma Smit 🇿🇦 (@Elmakapelma) November 27, 2019

Kitch Christie said: ‘Give me a strong tighthead and I’ll build you a strong team’. That is never truer than now with retired Springbok tighthead prop @julianred3 now heading up the Lions front-row factory in conjunction with another former Springbok Wessel Roux.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/7jlovxhQHh — Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 25, 2019

Great first day here at Lake Umuzi in Secunda. Thanks for hosting us!#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/eWkTKJMjMj — Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 27, 2019

Gearing up for phase 3 of pre-season.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/AcjROYmvkH — Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 22, 2019

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