The Lions have confirmed the signing of former Springbok Willem Alberts for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
The 35-year-old Alberts has been plying his trade at Stade Français in Paris since 2015, having joined the club from the Sharks.
Rumours have been circulating that Alberts is on his way back to South Africa to play for the Lions this year and on Tuesday the union finally moved to confirm the news.
Willem Alberts will return to his roots & don the Lions jersey once more. Alberts (35) made his debut for the Golden Lions in 2007. In November 2010 he ran out for South Africa off the bench and scored a try against Wales.
Welcome home, Willem!#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/0AszftUipo— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 28, 2020
Before his spell at the Sharks, Alberts played for the Lions between 2005 and 2009. The loose forward also won 43 Test caps for the Springboks between 2010 and 2016.
Alberts will link up with his former Sharks and Boks teammate Jannie du Plessis, who also joined the Lions following a five-year stint in France.
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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images