Conraad van Vuuren

Conraad van Vuuren has carved out a role as an industrious loose forward for the Lions. Born on 4 September 1995, the flanker is valued for the kind of high-tempo, high-volume work that defines the position — tackling, competing for turnovers and providing physicality across the park. A familiar presence in the Lions' back row, van Vuuren contributes the unseen graft that allows a pack to function: hitting rucks, securing possession and putting his body on the line in defence. The Lions have built their identity around an energetic, ball-in-hand approach, and a tireless flanker who can link play and clear out effectively is central to making that style work. Now in his early thirties, he brings durability and consistency to the loose forwards, the product of years spent in the physical exchanges of southern-hemisphere and European club rugby. He offers the franchise an experienced, dependable option who can be relied upon to deliver the fundamentals week to week, whether in the United Rugby Championship or in continental competition. Forwards of his type rarely grab headlines, but their appetite for the hard, repetitive work is what allows more eye-catching team-mates to thrive.