The Lions finally broke into the Vodacom URC playoffs last season, but proving it wasn’t a once-off will be an even tougher challenge, writes MORNÉ ESBEN.
Ivan van Rooyen’s side deserved plenty of credit for securing a top-eight finish after several near misses in previous campaigns. Their reward, however, was a daunting quarter-final away to Leinster, where their title hopes came to an end.
The challenge now is to build on that breakthrough rather than stand still or regress.
The Johannesburg-based outfit has strengthened its pack considerably during the off-season. Edinburgh loosehead Boan Venter returns to South Africa after impressing in Scotland, while experienced lock Hyron Andrews adds size and leadership following his spell with the Sale Sharks. Lock JP du Preez also returns to South Africa following a stint in Japan, while Springbok loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe brings skill and experience of playing in France.
Behind the scrum, the Lions have recruited utility back Asad Moos from the Stormers, versatile playmaker Boeta Chamberlain from the Newcastle Red Bulls and hard-running winger Daniel Kasende from the Ospreys.
Several experienced campaigners have departed, including locks Ruben Schoeman and Darrien Landsberg, as well as playmaker Gianni Lombard, who’s linked up with the Sharks.
Much will again depend on the established core of Francke Horn, Ruan Venter, Morné van den Berg, Chris Smith, Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn. If that group can remain fit, the Lions should once again be firmly in the playoff mix.
The fixture list offers an immediate test of their credentials. They open at home against Leinster before hosting the Ospreys and visiting the Bulls. Their overseas tour against Edinburgh and Glasgow will provide an early indication of whether they have the consistency to challenge the competition’s heavyweights.
CASH TO LIONS: Don’t forget Dublin massacre
FACT FILE
Coach: Ivan van Rooyen
Captain: Francke Horn
2025-26 log finish: 8th (quarter-finalists)
ONE TO WATCH
The Lions have long been renowned for producing powerful scrummagers, and the arrival of Boan Venter could take their set-piece to another level. The Springbok powerhouse returns home after establishing himself as one of Edinburgh’s most consistent front-rowers. At 29, Venter is entering his prime and offers exactly what the Lions have lacked in recent seasons – an experienced loosehead capable of anchoring the scrum while contributing around the park. His signing also establishes him firmly in the Springbok conversation.
PRE-SEASON: Sharks edge Lions at Ellis Park
FAST FACT
The Lions failed to win any of their overseas matches last season, suffering seven defeats and drawing with the Ospreys.
PLAYERS IN
Hyron Andrews (Sale Sharks)
Boeta Chamberlain (Newcastle)
JP du Preez (Red Hurricanes Osaka)
Daniel Kasende (Ospreys)
Asad Moos (Stormers)
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Montauban)
Boan Venter (Edinburgh)
ALSO: Bulls, Lions to borrow Griquas hookers
PLAYERS OUT
Lubabalo Dobela (Narbonne)
Darrien Landsberg (Sharks)
Gianni Lombard (Sharks)
Tapiwa Mafura (unattached)
Franco Marais (retired)
Heiko Pohlmann (Boland)
Ruben Schoeman (Narbonne)
WJ Steenkamp (unattached)
URC FIXTURES
26 September: Leinster (h)
3 October: Ospreys (h)
10 October: Bulls (a)
23 October: Edinburgh (a)
30 October: Glasgow (a)
5 December: Bulls (h)
19 December: Stormers (a)
2 January: Sharks (a)
23 January: Zebre (h)
30 January: Cardiff (h)
20 February: Sharks (h)
27 February: Stormers (h)
20 March: Scarlets (a)
27 March: Connacht (a)
17 April: Munster (h)
24 April: Benetton (h)
7 May: Dragons (a)
14 May: Ulster (a)
First hit-out ahead of the new season: done.
Hear from our Head Coach on last week Friday’s warm-up match.#ForOurCity #LionsPride pic.twitter.com/Ohed4tvPKm— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) September 14, 2026
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post 2026-27 URC preview: Lions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions finally broke into the Vodacom URC playoffs last season, but proving it wasn’t a once-off will be an even tougher challenge.
The post 2026-27 URC preview: Lions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
