Emirates Lions – Head Coach
The Lions Rugby Company is pleased to announce Ivan van Rooyen as Head Coach of the Emirates Lions.
“Ivan van Rooyen is someone who can build on the successes of past years. He has proven his worth within the
Lions Company Structures,” said Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Rugby Company (LRC).
The Company will ensure Van Rooyen has the correct support system, management team and consultants for a
successful 2020 Super Rugby Campaign.
Altmann Allers, Chairman and Owner of LRC credited Van Rooyen who positioned himself as the most impressive
candidate during the recruitment process. “In Ivan we have an outstanding coach that covers all areas. His
extensive knowledge of the Lions culture coupled with his scientific background is paramount in crucial decision
making factors.”
The new coach said the Lions has been his home since 2009, “and it is all I know.”
He added: “We have the opportunity to create something very special. We have a young but dynamic team and a
‘blank canvas’. It is all up to us what we make of it. Standing in front of that ‘blank canvas’, we will establish clear
goals, we will decide who will be involved in this process, what will success look like and what tools we will use to
measure our success. I am truly blessed to do what I love to do,” he said.
VAN ROOYENS’ RUGBY BACKGROUND:
Ivan ‘Cash’ van Rooyen joined the Lions in 2009 after hanging up his boots as a player (Lions juniors, Lions sevens,
Valke Currie Cup).
The sport scientist worked with the junior sides and Vodacom Cup until 2011 and also assisted Wayne Taylor with
the Super Rugby and senior Currie Cup sides.
He became head of Strength and Conditioning in 2012 and still holds this position.
The Lions continued success since 2014 and subsequent Vodacom Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017 was also
due to the high level of fitness installed by Van Rooyen.
He headed up the coaching staff of the Lions in the 2018 and 2019 Currie Cup seasons with the team advancing to
the final this year.
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