Sharks and Lions set for armwrestle over Junior Bok star Batho Hlekani

The hard-running loose forward upped his stocks significantly with a fine showing at the recent World U20 Championships, where the Junior Boks defeated New Zealand 23-15 in the final to claim the title.

Since then, things have been happening fast for the youngster. First, he was one of three Junior Boks called up to the senior Bok squad for an upcoming training camp. Now, the Lions have signed Hlekani, who is currently under contract with the Sharks.

Hlekani featured for the Durban franchise in the Currie Cup last season and was named in the Sharks' squad for the current domestic competition. The Zwide native's contract reportedly ends at the end of this year's Currie Cup.

"We gave them off last week because of the amount of rugby they've played," said Sharks coach JP Pietersen following Saturday's 46-5 thumping at the hands of the Lions in Johannesburg.

"It's always been the plan. We will see how they go and if they fit in nicely. The U20 group will come in with very competent players that will boost us too. We'll stay in the fight.

"Obviously, Batho won't be available… he will be in the Springbok setup."

But the Lions' management has other plans. With star flanker Izan Esterhuizen suffering a season-ending injury in the Currie Cup opener, coach Mzwakhe Nkosi wants to fast-track Hlekani's move up north.

"We are trying to get Batho to join ASAP, hopefully after his Springbok commitments," said Nkosi.

"We will probably try and get Batho to Joburg sooner rather than later.

"The prospects aren't great. [Esterhuizen] is probably out for the season, so we have to scramble hard. I just spoke to the CEO, we will have to source another openside flanker sooner rather than later."