In the last couple of months, the GLRU management have promised their die hard supporters, that the Lions will get back to the top, at any cost. They will do what they have to, to become a powerhouse, once again.

The first promising step in this quest, was to appoint Jake White’s Winning Ways, to do an audit on the union from top to junior level. The first thing Jake did was to test the players conditioning levels, and as was widely reported, the results were shocking to say the least. From the outset Jake said that turning the GLRU back into a champion union, would take time. The Lions’ conditioning and fitness levels have clearly improved, and they are currently one of the most physical sides in the competition.

Jannie Ferreira decided to resign as president of the GLRU, and Manie Reynecke also decided to step down as vice president. Ex-Transvaal lock, Kevin de Klerk, was unanimously voted as the new president of the GLRU.

From his first day in office, de Klerk made it clear that his only and main priority, is to get the Lions back to the top.

The Lions have also shown serious intent to contract quality players to strengthen their squad for next season’s Super 14. The names being mentioned, is a serious indication that they realise the need for experience in key positions. The GLRU have also had their share of bad luck, with Simon Shaw intent on moving to the Lions, only to get injured and be ruled out of rugby until February 2010.

To me, the biggest and most important step of rebuilding the Lions, was the moment it was announced, that they are looking for a quality Super 14 coach with national or international experience, to take over the role as Director of coaching. Some names are being mentioned, and if the rumours are to be believed, the Lions have the ideal opportunity to get up from the ashes, and to make a comeback that will be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the game.

This is the biggest decision the GLRU has had to make in the last decade. The opportunity has presented itself to the Lions, and a lot has been said about wanting to be the best, but their hunger for success, lies in one decision. The Coach.