Bidding war looms as Springboks rookie weighs up his options after snubbing overseas interest
Springboks full-back Quan Horn and an inset of Lions boss Ivan van Rooyen.
Springboks full-back Quan Horn is in high demand with his contract at the Lions expiring at the end of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season.
The 24-year-old, who made his Test debut against Portugal in 2024, is eager to remain in South Africa and press for more involvement in the Springboks squad despite interest from overseas clubs.
Horn has been a consistent performer for the Lions, who are keen to extend his contract but have not been successful in doing so yet.
Bulls and Sharks enter the race
According to a report by Rapport, the Bulls are very interested in snapping up the Bok’s services as they search for a long-term successor for full-back Willie Le Roux, who is in the twilight of his career.
The 101-Test cap outside back signed an extension with the Pretoria-based club through to the end of the 2026/27 season. That is likely to be the final season of the 36-year-old’s professional career before hanging up his boots, and new head coach Johan Ackermann is already looking to the future.
Planet Rugby has learnt that the Bulls are not the only South African outfit who are plotting a swoop for the impressive youngster, with the Sharks also monitoring the situation in Johannesburg.
While the Sharks do have Aphelele Fassi on their books, Horn is highly thought of in South African rugby circles, and his form in the red jumper has not gone unnoticed by the other unions and their coaches.
Additionally, it is understood that Horn will not be entertaining offers beyond South African borders, as he hopes that remaining in South Africa will aid his chances of staying in the selection frame for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
If the Lions are unable to extend terms with Horn, a bidding war could commence for the one-cap Springbok’s signature, who hails from the Western Cape.
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More Test opportunities to come
While he has not had any opportunities within the Springboks squad so far this year, he could well feature for Erasmus’ side during the November internationals following the injury to Sharks star Fassi.
The 27-year-old was carted off the pitch during South Africa’s round four Rugby Championship fixture against the All Blacks in Wellington last week and is expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the Springboks’ season after going under the knife.
While Le Roux was originally left out of Erasmus’ team for the final two rounds of the Rugby Championship, he will be training with the squad until Wednesday before linking back up with the Bulls.
His time in the Green and Gold jersey may not be finished just yet, but it does look to be coming to an end, which could open up the door for further involvement for Horn, particularly this November with South Africa playing five fixtures away from home, against Japan, Ireland, Wales, France and Italy.
