The Lions have announced that head coach Swys de Bruin will leave the union on mutual terms after seven years in Johannesburg.

The news was confirmed by the Lions on Friday, with De Bruin bringing an end to his long-term stint with the union which started as an assistant to Johan Ackermann in 2013.

De Bruin had also been released from his role as Springbok assistant coach earlier this year for ‘personal and medical reasons’, while he left the Lions’ overseas tour during Super Rugby early due to stress.

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The Lions will consult with SA Rugby and their stakeholders in the appointment of a successor and have begun an internal process.

‘Swys made a groundbreaking contribution in the style of play and attacking patterns to the team whereby memorable tries have been scored at Emirates Airline Park,’ Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli said. ‘On behalf of the management, players and supporters we thank him and wish him well in his future endevours.’

During his tenure with the Lions, De Bruin helped the team win the Vodacom Cup in 2013, the Currie Cup in 2015 and make three Super Rugby finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

‘It was an unbelievable seven years with the Lions family,’ De Bruin said. ‘Thank you to everyone who made it special and memorable. I pray for the team to receive God’s blessings. The Lions will always have a special place in my heart. We play to score tries and inspire people through the way we play.’

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images