Lions win the race for South Africa's schoolboy prodigy

The Lions have reportedly won the signature of Grey College schoolboy prodigy Ethan Adams, a viral sensation at age grade level.

A stocky and well-built centre with explosive power and speed, Adams is one of the most exciting midfield prospects to come through the ranks since Jurenzo Julius, now with the Sharks.

Ethan ‘The Tank” Adams rose to prominence last year with his 1st XV highlights from Grey College reaching global audiences as he bulldozed his way through some of the top South African schools.

Ethan Adams vs Affies 2025 pic.twitter.com/jEn2CU6Q6l

— Matthew Bauer (@MB5Plug) May 17, 2025

He was ranked 23 on the top 50 global schoolboy rugby prospects last year by NG Rugby, despite having another year to play in 2025. Earning selection for SA U18s last year, Adams started against England U18 in a 39-14 win for South Africa.

The signing is a boost for the Johannesburg-based Lions, who have lagged behind the other three big South African clubs in recent years in the URC.

The other highly touted star centre in South African schoolboy rugby, Paarl Gimnasium’s Markus Muller, has reportedly been signed by the Stormers his home club.

Muller was also a South African U18 rep last year and started against Ireland U18.

Paarl Gim are the number one ranked 1st XV in South Africa having knocked off Grey College this year in a mammoth bout with Muller facing off against Adams.

Muller scored two tries and was heavily involved in more tries in the 43-31 win.