Lions Super Rugby captain Joshua Strauss is reported to have signed for New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Crusaders for the 2013 season.

According to unconfirmed reports Strauss has signed to play for the Crusaders but will return to South Africa to play for the Lions in their promotion/relegation match(es).

The Lions were relegated from Super Rugby for the 2013 and have been replaced by the Southern Kings who will play out of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Several sources reported that Strauss has agreed to play for the seven time Champions but the Lions Rugby Union have since issued a statement saying that the reports of Strauss' move to the Crusaders are not true.

Strauss has since confirmed that the rumour is not true.

Lions CEO Kevin de Klerk added that the only player who would be allowed to leave the Union on loan was flyhalf Elton Jantjies as he has a Super Rugby clause in his contract.