Morgan Naude

Morgan Naude, born on 11 August 1998, is a flanker who features in the loose forwards for the Lions, the Johannesburg franchise that plays in the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup. A back-rower with a strong work rate, Naude is recognised for his breakdown contest and his tackling, the twin pillars of an effective flanker's game. He works hard at the ruck, competing for possession and supporting his carriers, and brings defensive steel to a pack that relies on its forwards to set the platform. In attack, Naude looks to act as a link between the forwards and backs, carrying with intent and keeping the ball moving through contact. As a flanker, his job is to be busy across the park — first to the breakdown, reliable in defence and willing to do the hard yards in the tight channels. Having progressed through the Lions' development structures, he continues to build his presence in the senior squad, adding the kind of turnover threat and defensive grit that loose-forward play demands. Naude's industry and physical approach make him a useful contributor to the Lions' back-row stocks as he looks to cement his place in the side.