• EW Viljoen, one of the Lions' raft of new signings, arrives with a "plan and vision" as he considers the franchise the best in the country.
• The 25-year-old playmaker had his stint at Leicester cruelly cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the experience has moulded him into a more rounded player.
• While the Lions have touted his versatility in the backline, Viljoen wants to focus on playing centre as he believes that's one of the realistic paths towards donning a Springbok jersey.

His English adventure was cruelly cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic, but EW Viljoen won't simply arrive at Ellis Park just because it offered him a lifeline.

The 25-year-old, part of mass clean-out at Leicester in May, is full of purpose.

"I'm coming back armed with a plan and vision," Viljoen, whose arrival was confirmed earlier this week, told Sport24.

"I want to make a positive contribution because, in my view, the Lions are the best union in the country at the moment."

While that opinion is arguably based on the franchise reaching three consecutive Super Rugby finals between 2016 and 2018, there's a fair argument to be made that Viljoen is part of a recent recruitment drive that suggests the Lions are serious in putting two transitional seasons behind them.

Over the past two weeks, Rabz Maxwane (wing), Jaco Visagie (hooker), Burger Odendaal (centre), Ruan Dreyer (prop) and Wiehahn Herbst (prop) have committed their futures in Doornfontein.

But an increasingly strong core of players and a compact administration are mere complementary factors to the lure of playing for a team that prides itself on its attacking way of playing.

"One of the Lions' strengths is that they have an established DNA in South African rugby. That makes it very attractive to come play for them," said Viljoen.

"Our expansive game-plan is a philosophy that I believe suits my own game very well."

A Junior Springbok, who starred for the team in 2015's Under-20 World Championship, he boasts an imposing 1.92m, 104kg frame that would make him a backline bolter for any side.

Rudolf Straeuli, Lions chief, admitted that the Lions placed a premium on Viljoen's versatility as he has experience at wing and fullback too.

Yet, in keeping with his ominous focus, the former Grey College pupil makes no secret of his preferred position.

"Naturally I'll play anywhere my team requires me," said Viljoen.

"However, at this stage of my career, I'd like to keep playing in the midfield. I believe centre fits me well. It's also the position where I'd like to put up my hand for possible Springbok selection."

While a return to his home country is welcomed, Viljoen wouldn't mind another overseas adventure in future.

"It's actually been a whirlwind few months, but I think that's been the case for many people," he said.

"It's unfortunate that things didn't quite work out in the UK, but I have little doubt that I'd want to make a return at some stage. My time at Leicester was very good for my game. It proved a valuable exercise to have to adapt to the English game, which differs in terms of tempo.

"It was good for me as a person too. England is an amazing place and I really built some great friendships here. Adapting to the English weather was a challenge, you miss the South African sun very much when you have to consistently train in cold and wet conditions. I'm certainly excited to touch down on our soil again."