Former Springbok flanker Wickus van Heerden has signed a new contract with the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU).

van Heerden spent 9 seasons at the Lions, before moving to the Bulls and winning the Super 14 and Rugby World Cup in 2007. He then departed to England and has been playing for Saracens, but will return to South Africa in time for the 2010 Currie Cup.

He will finish with Saracens on June 30, before taking up his contract with the Lions from July 2010 to October 2012.

van Heerden is looking forward to returning to the union where he first started playing professional rugby. “Since my time at the Lions I have grown as a player and have gathered much experience at both the Bulls and Saracens. I am hoping to utilise this experience and make an impact when I join them later this year. The Lions have always been a very special team to me.” said van Heerden.

With Springbok ambitions possibly his primary motivation, van Heerden has a great chance of representing the Boks on the end of year tour if he can show top form. Peter de Villiers will be looking at resting many top Boks on the 2010 end of year tour, and someone with van Heerden’s experience, especially of northern hemisphere conditions will be invaluable.

Since Dick Muir has taken over at the Lions, his influence and direction may be luring players such as van Heerden and Carlos Spencer to what was the most successful union in South Africa during the 90′s.

Are we seeing a change at the Johannesburg based union and a return to their former glory days?