Malcolm Marx deal hailed as a victory for South Africa's new contracting model

Malcolm Marx has handed South African rugby a significant boost by extending his Lions contract until 2021 rather than join on a full-time basis the post-World Cup exodus of players from that country to Europe and Japan. 

The Lions Rugby Company, together with SA Rugby, are claiming their retention of the much admired hooker is a victory for a newly-established contracting model that aims to ensure ensuring the Springbok’s career is managed and sustained.

Marx will now be able to enjoy a temporary release after the 2019 Rugby World Cup for a sabbatical in Japan and will return to South Africa and the Lions in June 2020.

Lions chief executive Rudolph Straeuli said they were proud to retain the services of Marx. “Malcolm has always given the Lions and Springboks 100 per cent effort and dedication and to ensure sustainability in the young player’s career, it is important that together we look after his well-being.”

SA Rugby’s director Rassie Erasmus was equally delighted that Marx had renewed his contract.

“Malcolm has established himself as a world-class player and his contribution to the Springboks has been immense, so his decision to renew his contract with the Lions is very good news indeed,” said Erasmus.

“Malcolm’s contract renewal at the Lions is a fantastic result for the new contracting model that the players, unions and SA Rugby worked to agree and was announced on Friday.

“It proves what can be achieved if we all work together with the best interests of the player and South African rugby in mind,” added Erasmus ahead of a World Cup campaign where the Springboks will battle in their pool with New Zealand, the defending champions who are seeking a third consecutive title. 

Marx is due to captain the Lions in their important Super Rugby encounter with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday. 

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