Smit, Matthews sign for Lions

The Emirates Lions have confirmed they have snapped up the signatures of flanker Roelof Smit and winger Duncan Matthews from the Blue Bulls.

Smit accepted his contract offer over the weekend to cross the Jukskei after failing to get sufficient game time at the Bulls over the last while, while Matthews accepted a contract offer last weekend.

And the Lions could soon also have the signature of scrumhalf Andre Warner on their books if he accepts a contract offer with the union.

Smit publicly criticised the Bulls last month in an interview and said he didn’t understand why he was being shunned by the coaching staff, and with his contract ending in October, it isn’t a surprise that he is making a move.

The flanker was set to make his test debut in 2016 after playing for the Boks in an unofficial game against the Barbarians when he was injured and missed his chance to become a Springbok.

When on form he is one of the best fetchers around, but has been beset with injuries over the past few years.

The same can be said of Matthews, who has hardly played this season with injuries and has been more in rehabilitation over the past few years than on the field.

That said, when he is on the field, he is a talent that scores tries and the Lions medical staff will be hoping to keep him fit to get the best out of him.

Warner has signalled his interest in the Lions after previously turning down a Western Province offer to stay at the Bulls. But it seems the rotation policy between him and the two Springboks Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier isn’t working out, and with Nic Groom gone, the Lions will be able to use him a lot more than he would be used at Loftus.

Across the Jukskei, the Bulls haven’t been shy either, adding the likes of Pumas hooker Corniel Els and Pukke captain Louis van der Westhuizen – who will be going to the World Cup with Namibia – on their books.

This comes after their big-name signings of Boks Morne Steyn and Juandre Kruger, as well as Scottish loose forward Josh Strauss, all of whom will run out for Super Rugby next year.