The Lions are roaring into the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season with a cocktail of seasoned Springboks and sprightly newcomers. This Saturday, they'll unleash their might in Cardiff, marking the start of a grueling three-match European tour that also features pit stops in Italy to challenge Zebre Parma and Benetton. Coach Cash van Rooyen has masterfully crafted a team that melds the hardened prowess of internationals with the raw energy of rising stars.
On the forwards front, the trio of tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flanker Ruan Venter, and last year's skipper Francke Horn are set to lay down the law, ensuring the scrum is no place for the faint-hearted. Meanwhile, the backline is bristling with talent, spearheaded by fullback Quan Horn. Joining him are the swift Angelo Davids, the robust Henco van Wyk, and the always electric Richard Kriel. Let's not forget Junior Boks standout Haashim Pead, who's expected to turn heads and break lines.
Yet, not all news from the camp is about stepping onto the field. Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith finds himself in a purgatory of sorts, on standby after a noggin-knocking concussion in the Currie Cup final. He's in good company, though, with Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and the loose forward duo of Siba Qoma and JC Pretorius all waiting in the wings. The injury gremlins haven't spared the Lions either, with veteran hooker PJ Botha sidelined.
The squad's departure for Cardiff is set for Tuesday, signaling the start of what could be a defining tour. The blend of youth and experience is a calculated gamble by van Rooyen, who seems to be playing a high-stakes game of chess on the European rugby board.
"We're not just participating; we're there to compete. These young cubs have the Bok magic in their veins, mixed with a hunger that only fresh talent can bring," Coach Cash van Rooyen remarked confidently about his squad selection.
2,193 posts
The Lions are roaring into the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season with a cocktail of seasoned Springboks and sprightly newcomers. This Saturday, they'll unleash their might in Cardiff, marking the start of a grueling three-match European tour that also features pit stops in Italy to challenge Zebre Parma and Benetton. Coach Cash van Rooyen has masterfully crafted a team that melds the hardened prowess of internationals with the raw energy of rising stars.
On the forwards front, the trio of tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flanker Ruan Venter, and last year's skipper Francke Horn are set to lay down the law, ensuring the scrum is no place for the faint-hearted. Meanwhile, the backline is bristling with talent, spearheaded by fullback Quan Horn. Joining him are the swift Angelo Davids, the robust Henco van Wyk, and the always electric Richard Kriel. Let's not forget Junior Boks standout Haashim Pead, who's expected to turn heads and break lines.
Yet, not all news from the camp is about stepping onto the field. Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith finds himself in a purgatory of sorts, on standby after a noggin-knocking concussion in the Currie Cup final. He's in good company, though, with Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and the loose forward duo of Siba Qoma and JC Pretorius all waiting in the wings. The injury gremlins haven't spared the Lions either, with veteran hooker PJ Botha sidelined.
The squad's departure for Cardiff is set for Tuesday, signaling the start of what could be a defining tour. The blend of youth and experience is a calculated gamble by van Rooyen, who seems to be playing a high-stakes game of chess on the European rugby board.
"We're not just participating; we're there to compete. These young cubs have the Bok magic in their veins, mixed with a hunger that only fresh talent can bring," Coach Cash van Rooyen remarked confidently about his squad selection.
Lions squad:
Forwards – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Darrien Landsberg, Dylan Sjoblom, Etienne Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Francke Horn, Jarod Cairns, Juan Schoeman, Morne Brandon, Ruan Delport, Renzo du Plessis, RF Schoeman, Ruan Venter, Sebastian Lombard, SJ Kotze, WJ Steenkamp.
Backs – Angelo Davids, Eduan Keyter, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Lubabalo Dobela, Manuel Rass, Nico Steyn, Quan Horn, Richard Kriel, Rynhardt Jonker, Sam Francis, Tapiwa Mafura.
On standby – Siba Qoma, JC Pretorius, Chris Smith, Morne van den Berg.