Franco Marais

A flanker in the Lions' back row, Franco Marais is a loose forward known for his work rate at the breakdown and a steady defensive presence. Born on 23 September 1992, he turns out for the Johannesburg-based franchise that competes in the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup, where his role centres on the unglamorous graft of forward play. Marais commits himself to the contact areas, contesting for turnover ball, clearing rucks and supporting his ball-carriers through the phases. His defensive contribution is a consistent feature of his game, working hard in the tackle and looking to provide momentum at the breakdown. As a flanker, he is expected to be a constant presence around the field, bridging the forwards and backs and offering reliable effort across eighty minutes. With his experience, Marais brings a dependable edge to the Lions' loose-forward options, the kind of grafting forward who does the necessary work to give his backs a platform. He continues to contribute to a Lions pack that values industry and physicality, adding turnover threat and defensive steel to the back-row mix as the side competes across its domestic and cross-border campaigns.