Golden Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli has denied reports that the union is set to sign Bulls scrumhalf Rudy Paige.

Rapport newspaper on Sunday claimed that the Lions had identified Paige as a suitable replacement for Faf de Klerk, who left for English club Sale after Super Rugby.

However, Straeuli told Netwerk24 that they would look to develop the scrumhalves already at the union.

‘I can give the assurance that no contract was signed with Paige. It’s always been our aim to bring players through from within our own structures and we’re very happy with the progress that Marco Jansen van Vuren has made as a scrumhalf this year. Our age-group teams are also performing fantastically and that is where we’ll first look for players for the senior group.’

Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport