The Lions Rugby Company have announced the appointment of Barend Pieterse as the new Emirates Lions forwards and lineout coach.
Previously with the Southern Kings (Super Rugby and PRO 14), Canon Eagles (Japan) and Griquas, Pieterse makes his way to Emirates Airline Park in anticipation of his new side’s 2023/24 bumper European season, where much is expected from the Johannesburg team currently in pre-season training.
A former second-rower, Pieterse played his youth and senior for the Lions from 2000-2004 and later represented the Cats in Super Rugby during the 2005 campaign.
Barend Pieterse on his appointment:
“I would like to thank everyone at the Lions who have entrusted me with this honour of being part of the Lions family. Having the opportunity to work with a talented group of players is something I look forward to the most,” said Pieterse.
“I really hope we can make the Lions faithful proud as we prepare for the upcoming season,” he concluded.
Lions Rugby Company CEO Rudolf Straeuli:
“We are pleased to have secured the services of Barend ahead of our upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship and EPCR Champions Cup campaigns. He is a well-travelled coach who brings his experience having coached in the PRO 14 and in Japan.”
“As a franchise, we are particularly excited about the knowledge and experience Barend will bring to our lineout and forwards department, and we wish him all the success as part of the Lions family,” he concluded.