Lions flanker makes switch to Leicester Tigers

Adam Kyriacou

Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of powerful flanker Cyle Brink, who will join them ahead of the 2020/21 season from the Lions.

The 26-year-old, who was selected as part of the Springboks squad in 2018, will make the move to Leicester from Johannesburg after four seasons with the Lions in Super Rugby and six as a member of the Golden Lions in South Africa’s Currie Cup.

Brink attended King Edward VII School in his home nation which boasts alumni including former Springboks Bryan Habana and Joe van Niekerk as well as current South African international Malcolm Marx.

The back-rower was a member of the Springboks U20s squad that finished runners-up at the Junior World Championship in 2014.

Speaking about the signing of Brink, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy was upbeat about the acquisition of the versatile forward.

“Cyle [Brink] is a physical, athletic and exciting talent, who can play across the back-row,” said Murphy.

“He has stood out for the Lions in the competitive environment of Super Rugby and Currie Cup over recent seasons and we look forward to welcoming him to Leicester ahead of next season.

“Cyle will add valuable depth to our back-row stocks, which will only see the competition for places in the side upped.”

Brink, speaking from South Africa, said Tigers has always been a club he has watched with a close interest while plying his trade in Super Rugby.

“Tigers is a club I have always been interested in and, I knew if I ever went over to Europe, Leicester was always one of the clubs I would have wanted to play for,” Brink said.

“I am keen to come over and keen for a change.

“I am excited for the different style of rugby and what I can add at Leicester Tigers.”

A versatile forward, who has featured across the back-row for the Lions throughout his career, Brink also says the European game is one he believes will suit him.

“I have been told that northern hemisphere rugby is more suited to the game that I play,” added Brink.

“It is a very direct, hard game, which will suit me and the way I play the game.”

Asked about what Tigers supporters can expect from him, Brink said: “I like to be dominant in defence and contribute with big ball carries.”

“I like to dominate collisions … I don’t like going backwards and never want someone to get the better of me in a tackle.

“I aim to get the better of the opposition in every collision and will for Leicester Tigers too.”

Leicester Tigers