Burton Francis parted ways with the Lions at the the end of the season and has subsequently joined the Stormers for pre-season training in a bid to secure a contract with the Cape side.
The 24-year-old former Bulls pivot who hails from Paarl found himself third in the Lions' flyhalf pecking order at the end of the Currie Cup season after Butch James returned from World Cup duty to replace him as first-choice playmaker Elton Jantjies' deputy and has since found himself surplus to requirements in Johannesburg.
Francis was spotted training with the Stormers on Monday and coach Allister Coetzee confirmed to this website that he is attempting to secure a contract with the winners of the South African Super Rugby conference.
"He [Francis] has not signed with us yet. He is looking for an opportunity and the challenge for him is to make our Super Rugby squad," Coetzee explained.
The Stormers found themselves scraping the barrel of their flyhalf depth this year as one player after another succumbed to injury, forcing them to utilise young players such as Kurt Coleman (and later Demetri Catrakilis in the Currie Cup) and forcing them to bring in Earl Rose from the Griquas.
With Peter Grant, Gary van Aswegen and Coleman all injured in the course of the Super Rugby season the Stormers went into their home semifinal against the Crusaders with former SA Under-20 star Lionel Cronje, himself only recently back from injury, at flyhalf.
Cronje has since moved on to the Bulls, so it would appear that Francis will have to prove that he is a better bet than one of Van Aswegen, Catrakilis or Coleman to secure a spot in the Stormers squad.
Another contender will be Boland's Elgar Watts who impressed in the provincial first division this year, but he has recently undergone shoulder surgery and will only be available in early February.
Grant will return from his second stint in Japan early in the season and is expected to reclaim the No.10 jersey when he gets back but there is sure to be a fierce fight over who exactly will back him up before he returns.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
