Western Province in a statement has quashed all rumours linking Lote Tuqiri to the Cape franchise.

Province Managing Director Rob Wagner:”It’s absolute nonsense, I don’t know where they got that. He [Tuqiri] certainly hasn’t spoken to anybody at Western Province.”

This means that if any rumours are to be believed, the Lions are the Super 14 franchise Tuquri referred to when saying that there is a possibility that he could still be playing in South Africa in next year’s Super 14. He has also been linked to French Club Toulon, Ospreys in Wales, Japan and returning to rugby league.

This would be a very interesting signing if the Lions do contract Tuqiri. They have recently acquired the services of Springbok wing Tonderai Chavanga, and also have Johan Jackson, Dusty Noble and Henno Mentz as cover on the wing.

Tuqiri, whose career has been full of controversy, was relieved of his contract with the Australian rugby union and has been a free agent since.  

The Lions have yet to deny or confirm any rumours.