Jantjies snubs overseas interest to remain in South Africa

Springbok and Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies has snubbed overseas clubs to pen a new deal with the Lions and SA Rugby.

The 29-year-old helped the Lions to three consecutive Super Rugby Finals between 2016 & 2018 and has opted to remain on the Highveld and buck the trend of South Africans leaving the Republic after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The veteran flyhalf has signed to play for the Joburg team for two more years, up until the 2021 season.

Jantjies confirmed that there was interest from multiple clubs abroad and has previously spent time playing in Japan.

The Lions Rugby Company is proud to announce that @jantjies_elton has chosen to extend his contract for two more years.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/veV8mzMzXy

— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 8, 2019

He is currently on tour with the Springboks in Argentina and although he has missed out on the 23 to play against Argentina this weekend, he is expected to board the plane to Japan for the World Cup.

He currently has 34 test caps to his name and has scored 239 test points, including two tries.

Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli confirmed the news of Jantjies’ continued involvement with the three-time Super Rugby runners-up on Thursday.

“Elton is one of our experienced players here at the Lions, and thanks also to SA Rugby and the new contracting model, we’ve been able to keep him in South Africa until after the 2021 season,” said Straeuli.

“That means Elton will play for us up to the tour by the British and Irish Lions in 2021.