Geo Cronje will return from wilderness

Lions coach Eugene Eloff has confirmed that former Springbok lock, Geo Cronje, will appear in the Super 14 as soon as he has fit.

“Geo has been in our plans for years now, and it will be about six weeks before he is ready to play,” Eloff said.

“He could be ready to play against the Bulls [his old franchise; on April 21], but it could be a week either side of that.”

Geo Cronje will join his brother Jacques, fellow Springbok, who joined the Lions at the beginning of the season.

Geo has not played rugby since being embroiled in the race row concerning him and fellow Springbok lock Quinton Davids.

He was signed to Harlequins in England but never played a game – being stricken with a knee injury. He later returned to South Africa to run the family farm near Mafikeng, almost losing his life in a freak tractor accident last year.

His dramatic career is set for another twist.

Another Bok set to return to top-flight action is winger Ashwin Willemse, whose promising career has been halted by a series of serious injuries.

“Ashwin’s rehabilitation is going well, and he is playing on Saturday for the Vodacom Cup side against the Griffons in Welkom.

“When he is ready for a full game at Super rugby levels he will also feature.”

With the Lions getting ready for a surge in the last rounds for a semi-final spot, the inclusion of two Springboks may be an exceptionally timeous boost.