Warren Whiteley has been named as a Lions assistant coach focusing on lineouts during the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The Johannesburg-based franchise on Thursday confirmed the majority of the team that will be assisting new head coach Ivan van Rooyen, who has taken over from Swys de Bruin.

ALSO READ: Jantjies to lead Lions’ charge

Whiteley was ruled out of action for the entirety of the Super Rugby tournament after struggling to recover from a knee injury.

The 32-year-old Lions captain has been laid low by several injuries over the last couple of years, specifically those affecting his knee ligaments which could have a significant impact on the future of his playing career.

Since being appointed as Lions skipper after they were booted from Super Rugby in the previous decade, Whiteley has had a significant impact on the franchise, captaining them to three consecutive Super Rugby finals between 2016 and 2018.

Lions coaching staff for 2020 Super Rugby

Head coach: Ivan van Rooyen

Defence: Sean Erasmus

Attack, backs and skills: Neil de Bruin

Forwards (scrum): Julian Redelinghuys

Forwards (lineout): Warren Whiteley

Collisions and rucks: Phillip Lemmer

Technical analyst: Wynand Ellis

Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix