Lions return to Springbok prominence as youth contracting model bears fruit

Welcome back to the national setup, Lions.

SA Rugby on Monday confirmed that Rassie Erasmus, back as the Springboks' head coach, has invited several of Ivan van Rooyen's young stars to the first alignment camp of 2024.

Given the relatively low-key nature of the Lions' progress over the past few seasons in Europe - as well as the fact that no player from the franchise came remotely close to being included in regular Bok squads, let alone the World Cup one - the sudden infusion of them has raised eyebrows.