The Lions have fortified their set-piece for the foreseeable future by signing tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye to a two-year extension.
Ntlabakanye was reportedly on Toulouse’s radar last year, with the French club readying to buy him out of a Lions contract that ran until June 2026. But, in what is literally massive news, the Lions on Wednesday announced that they had agreed to terms with the supersized 25-year-old on a contract that will keep him at the Den until at least 2028.
Locked in 🔒
#ForOurCity
#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/MG80thzyBT— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 5, 2025
Ntlabakanye made his Lions debut in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup in 2020 and has since made 42 appearances in the Vodacom URC, and another 11 in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Powerful scrummaging, an edge in defence and surprising athleticism for a 150kg prop have elevated the formers SA U20 anchor into the Springbok conversation and his decision to remain in the country can only help his chances of representing the world champions.
The man they call the Jozi Bulldozer. He’s here to stay.#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/iSd4EoDH7n
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 5, 2025
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
