Raynard Roets

South-African forward Raynard Roets has come through at the Lions as a hard-grafting member of the pack. Born in 2001, he is valued for his commanding involvement in the set-piece and the relentless work rate he brings to the close-quarter exchanges that so often decide matches in the United Rugby Championship. Strong over the ball and combative in the collision, Roets functions as an enforcer for the Lions, prioritising the unglamorous graft of scrum, lineout and breakdown. His game is built on the unfashionable virtues — hitting rucks, making his tackles and holding his own in the physical confrontation up front — that earn the trust of a coaching staff. As one of the younger forwards in the squad, he continues to add physical maturity and consistency to his game, building a reputation as a dependable set-piece option and a willing defender for the Johannesburg side as he pushes for a more regular role in the matchday twenty-three.