Lions sign Western Province prop Van der Linde

The Lions have signed utility prop CJ van der Linde from Western Province and he could join his new rugby province as soon as next month until the end of 2013.

Van der Linde’s agent, Stephan Weyers has told Sport24 that the 30-year-old tighthead prop has been released from his contract with WP.

The Springbok front rower is in Sydney with the Springboks and has been named on the bench this weekend after he missed most of this season’s Super Rugby season with a groin injury.

The Lions are hoping that Van der Linde will be released for Currie Cup duty after the Springboks TriNations tour.

Meanwhile Lions coach John Mitchell says that he is not too concerned about the way his Lions team struggled to beat the Pumas 31-27 in the opening round.

“I don’t know whether it was rustiness, but I honestly don’t care.”

“This week’s game against Griquas is more important. Griquas are a good side and just about have a Super Rugby backline,” Mitchell told Sport24.

“Our performance against the Pumas was just about good enough for us to win. At the end of the day winning is everything – it’s irrelevant how you do it.

“The Wallabies lost to Samoa against all expectations at the weekend. That kind of thing happens.”