Jantjies says sayonara to Lions

Elton Jantjies will not play in this year's Currie Cup as he is on loan to Japanese club NTT Shining Arcs.

The Golden Lions flyhalf has asked to be released from his Currie Cup contract for this season, but will return to Johannesburg for next year's Super 15 competition.

Jantjies's move is hardly surprising. Injury frustrated him in the initial part of this season as Marnitz Boshoff laid near permanent claim to the Lions' No10 jersey in Super 15.

After missing the first three games, Jantjies has come on as a substitute in seven of his nine matches.

He appeared low on confidence in those games and no longer blips on Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer's radar.

It is in that light new Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli took a pragmatic, yet long-term view to accede to Jantjies's request.

"Through this opportunity Elton will be able to gain new, valuable experience abroad," said Straeuli.

"It will also be a good opportunity to give young, up-and-coming players a chance to fast-track their careers."

Promising flyhalf Willie du Plessis falls into this category.

Said Jantjies: "I am looking forward to playing overseas as it has always been something I have wanted to do and I know I can gain experience that I can bring back with me.

"We will only look to finalise the deal within the next week, but I am still 100% committed to the Lions."

Jantjies will meet up with at least one familiar face at Arcs - former Golden Lions flanker and US captain Todd Clever.