Cape Town - The Lions Rugby Union has bid farewell to defence and assistant coach, JP Ferreira, who will further his career at Munster in Ireland.
The Lions issued a statement on Thursday confirming Ferreira's departure and wishing him the best of luck with his future endeavours.
Ferreira spent more than 10 years at the Johannesburg-based union.
“JP has been part of the Lions Rugby revival and I would like to thank him for his hard work and passion,” said Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Rugby Company (Pty) Ltd.
Ferreira said it was a hard decision to say goodbye to the Lions.
"I have been fortunate and blessed to have been with the Lions for 10 years and have been part of 10 Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions. There have been extreme highs and lows in these 10 years of service, but nothing that I would ever regret. It has been an amazing time.
“I feel that it is now time for me to improve, grow and experience a new culture, team, environment and competitions. I want to thank every single coach, player and support staff that invested in my life at the Lions Rugby Company in these ten years. I cannot thank you enough. I’m really excited and am looking forward to this next challenge and chapter in my and my family’s lives.”
Ferreira's contract at Munster commences on January 1, 2018.
At Munster Ferreira will join forces with former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan who is Munster's head coach.