Lions bolstered by Chris Smith URC signing as Stormers retain Ben-Jason Dixon, Wandisile Simelane

With the next instalment of the United Rugby Championship starting in a couple of months, the Lions have added some exciting players to their arsenal in a bid to strengthen their squad to challenge for a first playoff berth.

The latest addition is former Bulls general Chris Smith, who returns from a two-season stint overseas at French club Oyonnax, crossing the Jukskei from the Pretoria side where he last played before leaving the country.

Smith, a consistent kicker, had some strong performances in the blue jersey.

So, the Johannesburg side will hope he can take his game to another level as they look for a flyhalf who can spearhead the team to the quarter-finals in the coming season.

They have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey for the last couple of campaigns, with Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and Nico Steyn sharing the jersey.

But none have put their hand up to claim the position, and the arrival of Smith will add to that competition.

He is not the only player joining the men from Ellis Park; they also signed two wingers in Angelo Davids of the Stormers and Eduan Keyter from the Sharks.

They must fill the void of Springbok Edwill van der Merwe, who has joined the Sharks.

Van der Merwe, who became a Bok at the Lions, has been outstanding, and the duo will have big boots to fill.

Davids, a former Blitzbok, will seek more game-time after falling out of favour in Cape Town, while Keyter will look to revive his career after a spell of unfortunate injuries while based at Kings Park.

Davids played behind the likes of Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas, Suleiman Hartzenberg and Ben Loader, and needed this move away from the Mother City.

Both wingers are deadly attackers and have a knack for finding the try-line. So, they should not take too long to adapt to the enterprising rugby that the Lions play.

The Lions also announced the signing of Griquas lock Dylan Sjoblom.

He will add some needed depth to the side ahead of another URC campaign, where they will look to reach the playoffs for the first time.

They boast some of the most exciting players in the country, but have unfortunately not lived up to expectations over the last couple of seasons.

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen will hope the strategic acquisitions can boost the side on and off the field as they use the Currie Cup to prepare for their fifth season in the European competition.

Van Rooyen is under pressure, and it will likely be a non-negotiable for the side to reach the playoffs if he wants to take them forward.

The Stormers, meanwhile, won their arbitration case with loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, which will see the Springbok committed to the Cape side until 2027 at least.

They also confirmed the extension of midfielder Wandisile Simelane’s stay in the Cape.

Dixon sought arbitration to resolve a particular clause in his contract, which runs until July 2027.

“Ben-Jason is one of the most committed rugby players around, and has been a vital cog in our team for some time. With this now settled, we know that he will continue to give everything on and off the field for us,” Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said in a statement on Friday.

Dixon, currently out injured, said that with the matter now resolved, he is looking forward to making an impact on the field once again.

“I’m really grateful that both sides had the chance to bring everything to the table through arbitration and get clarity going forward.

“With this behind us, I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I love – giving my best for the Stormers.”