The 27-year-old Davids, who was born in Bloemfontein, is one of three Currie Cup winners to have linked up with the Lions on loan. The others are hooker Janco Uys and fellow prop Leon Lyons (now contracted to the Stormers).

Davids, who only started playing rugby in Grade 8, was a talented cricketer, which earned him a bursary at Hoërskool Fichardtpark in Bloemfontein after excelling in cricket for Brebner Primary School in the northern suburbs. 

He has since gone on to play in two Currie Cup finals for the Griquas and two SA Cup finals for the Peacock Blues.

Eddie Davids with the Sir Donald Currie trophy. Photo: Morgan Piek

The player, who is very much a gentle giant off the field, told OFM Sport that training and playing with the Lions is a big deal for him, as he wants to test himself at a high level of the game.

“I am really excited and grateful for the opportunity to be on loan at the Lions – the URC is a massive competition with world-class players,” said Davids, who is also a product of the Central University of Technology Ixias.

“So being part of this environment is something I’m really enjoying. From my side, I just want to make the most of it, keep learning, and contribute wherever I can.”

Davids added that a lot of his success as a rugby player is credited to his coach, Pieter Bergh, who coached him from Varsity Cup level at CUT and took him along to Kimberley to join the Peacock Blues when he took over as head coach from Scottie Mathie in 2021.

“On a personal note, I’ve been coached by Pieter Bergh for seven years since Varsity Cup level at CUT,” said Davids about his highly respected and much-loved coach.

“He has played a huge role in my development, giving me opportunities to grow from Varsity Cup into senior rugby. His standards are very high as a coach, and I’ve learned a lot about professionalism, consistency, and backing myself.”

Pieter Bergh and Gurswin Wehr. Photo: Morgan Piek

Davids has played in two Currie Cup finals for the Griquas since 2022 and was on the bench when they lost 26-19 to the Pumas in Kimberley. 

The powerful scrummager added that being able to win the title in 2025 is certainly a career highlight, and that it was all down to the hard work put in throughout the campaign.

“It has been incredibly special to win this year’s Currie Cup. Reaching two finals is something I am very proud of, but winning this one means a lot,” Davids added, having started at loosehead in the historic 27-25 win against the Lions at Ellis Park in the 2025 Currie Cup final.

Eddie Davids in the Currie Cup final against the Lions at Ellis Park. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Not just to me, but the team. We have worked incredibly hard, and to see it pay off was just amazing.

“Yeah, it’s a moment that reminds you why you put in all the hours.”

Other Griquas have been given opportunities at other URC franchises, with captain and tighthead prop Cebo Dlamini on loan to the Sharks, while outside backs Gurswin Wehr and Dylan Maart, as well as scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams, are at the Stormers.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs