Lions welcome back a prodigal son as versatile Gianni Lombard re-signs

One of the Lions' prodigal sons have returned.

Gianni Lombard, previously considered one of South African rugby's most gifted young play-makers, is calling Ellis Park home once again after a short stint in Japan.

The 24-year-old, who represented the Junior Springboks twice at 2017 and 2018's World Rugby Under-20 Championship, is equally adept at flyhalf and fullback and was targeted for that versatility.

Lombard though is expected to predominantly provide competition for the Lions' first-choice pivot, 21-year-old Jordan Hendrikse, as the franchises plans for an increased workload next season through their expected participation in the European Challenge Cup, which runs concurrently with the United Rugby Championship (URC).

The former Paarl Boys High star, who joined as a junior along with good friend Manny Rass in what was considered a real coup, was recently part of former Lions mentor Johan Ackermann's setup at the Red Hurricanes along with Bok flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

He's been troubled by consecutive major knee injuries, prompting him to head Eastward in a less demanding environment last year to regain full fitness.

Lombard had tongues wagging back in 2019's Super Rugby campaign, notably when he landed a superb, last-gasp penalty in a comeback victory over the Rebels before combining well with Jantjies - who played at inside centre in a controversial late switch - at No 10 in a surprise win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Unfortunately, he sustained his first ACL injury later in that match.

The Lions will also announce the recruitment of stalwart Sharks centre Marius Louw once the Sharks' URC campaign is over.