Junior Springbok star Hlekani set to join Lions
One of the Junior Springboks’ stars in the recent Under 20 world championship, loose forward Batho Hlekani, will play for the Lions starting next season.
He will move to Johannesburg from Durban at the end of the year, when his contract with the Sharks expires.
The 20-year-old joined the senior Springboks’ training camp in Johannesburg before the start of the Rugby Championship, together with Junior Bok teammates Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead.
The Lions are expected to request that the exciting youngster join them earlier after flanker Izan Esterhuizen suffered a season-ending injury in the first round of the Currie Cup against the Sharks two weeks ago.
Introducing Junior World champion Batho Hlekani.#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/pkfcg9pg3l
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 4, 2025
