JC Pretorius has committed his future to the Lions, signing a new contract with the Gauteng franchise announced on Wednesday. The timing coincides with his imminent return from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined since he went down during the Lions' 29-18 win over Scarlets in Round Four of the URC.
Pretorius was back in full training with the first team on Tuesday, and assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher confirmed he has been match-ready for some time — available even for the Dragons fixture.
"He can't wait to get going," Loubscher said. "We will see what is needed on the day regarding Pretorius' selection. As coaches, it is a discussion between us. It is good to have him back. He is ready to go; he is ready to go."
Saturday's home clash against log leaders Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park is the likely vehicle for Pretorius's comeback. The Lions received further good news with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye both cleared to feature against Glasgow. The starting XV will be named on Friday.