It's premature to start naming possible reinforcements for the Lions Super 15 rugby squad, but the process to identify such players is already underway.
"It is totally premature, and any names mentioned are just conjecture," said GLRU president Kevin de Klerk on Wednesday.
"Obviously our stakeholders have to be consulted. We are also prevented from negotiating with players who are currently under contract.
"Despite the undoubted potential in the current side, it is, however, clear that we are not at the level needed for the Super Rugby, where almost all of the sides have eight or ten internationals in their ranks.
"We realise we need to strengthen the side in a few positions.
"To get the best results on the short as well as the medium term we are looking at players who will do more than merely strengthen the playing strength of the side.
"They must also be able to act as mentors to the young players in the squad and to some other youngsters who are at the point of breaking through into top rugby."
De Klerk was not prepared to discuss possible negotiations with top coaches who are rumoured to be in the pipeline, other than to say coach Dick Muir's hand has to be strengthened.
The assistant Springbok coach is also the Lions' director of rugby and his commitments in that respect as well as with the Boks, make his coaching job more difficult than it should be.
"I can, however, assure Lions supporters we are working hard to improve on the performances which we realise are not acceptable."
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