SPOTLIGHT: In part three of our four-part-series, we take a look at which foreign players represented the Lions Super Rugby and/or URC sides.
Chrysander Botha – The Walvis Bay born Namibian international represented the Lions in Super Rugby in 2014 – making 11 appearance for the Johannesburg based side.
This came after helping the side get back into the competition by playing in both promotion/relegation matches against the Southern Kings.
He also represented the Lions in the Currie Cup on six occasions.
Todd Clever – Fondly known as ‘Captain America’, Clever was a fan favourite with the Lions Super Rugby side – making 21 appearances for the team and scoring three tries during his tenure.
He also represented the United States on 76 occasions and played 24 tournaments for the national sevens side.
James Kamana – The New Zealander played for NPC sides Waikato and Tasman before making his Super Rugby debut with the Lions in 2011 – playing through to the 2012 season before the side got relegated.
Kamana donned the Lions jersey on 17 occasions across two seasons – shifting between fullback and wing.
He also had a stints in the then Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup competitions for the Johannesburg based team.
Darrien Landsberg – The Zimbabwean-born lock is currently part of the Lions team playing in the URC.
Landsberg has racked up 22 appearances for the Lions so far and should have more added to his tally in the upcoming URC season.
Tapiwa Mafura – The Zimbabwe international is currently with the Lions in their URC squad and will look for more game time as he’s mainly featured for the side’s Currie Cup team so far.
Divan Rossouw – The versatile Namibia utility back made his name in South Africa with the Bulls’ Super Rugby side but had a brief stint with the Lions who he represented on four occasions between 2020 and 2022.
Tiaan Swanepoel – The Windhoek-born fullback made his Lions debut against the Jaguares in Super Rugby at the start of the 2020 season – which was cut short due to the global pandemic.
He went on to represent the Lions on 16 occasions up until 2023.
Carlos Spencer – And last but not least, former All Black and Blues legend Carlos Spencer.
A Super 12 winner with the Blues – Spencer joined the Lions in 2010 for their Super Rugby season, which was one to forget as they failed to register a single win.
Spencer did however work with 2019 Springbok World Cup winner Elton Jantjies that saw the flyhalf growing in leaps and bounds to steer the Currie Cup team to the title in 2011 against a highly fancied Sharks team.
