Paige linked with Lions switch

Bulls and Springbok scrum-half Rudy Paige has been linked with a move to the Lions as a possible replacement for Faf de Klerk.

Afrikaans weekly newspaper, Rapport, reported on Sunday that Paige is seen as a solid replacement for De Klerk, who recently joined Sale Sharks in the English Premiership at the culmination of Super Rugby.

Paige spent some time in the Lions squad early in his career but switched to the Bulls in 2012.

If Paige makes the move, he may be second choice at the Lions, with incumbent Springbok scrum-half Ross Cronje also with the Johannesburg franchise.

28-year-old Paige made his Bok debut in 2015 and has since featured in 11 Tests.