Former Bok lock Stephan Lewies is set to join the Lions ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Lewies has worked his way through the Sharks’ ranks since joining the union as a junior back in 2011, while he earned a solitary Bok cap off the bench in a 2014 Test against Scotland.

The 26-year-old’s career has been stunted by a series of injury setbacks in recent years, but he did feature in 12 Super Rugby games this past season.

The lanky lock has also enjoyed two off-season stints with Japanese club the Kamaishi Seawaves, but it’s been confirmed to SARugbymag.co.za that if all goes according to plan he will link up with the Lions upon his return to South Africa.

The Lions have lost the services of Springbok lock Franco Mostert this year, while there is apparently an injury concern over one or two of their other second rowers.

Lewies will add important experience to the Lions’ lock stock, with the Johannesburg-based side set to kick off the 2019 season against the Jaguares on 16 February.

Photo: EPA/Tracey Nearmy