The Emirates Lions have been given a massive boost ahead of their crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff on Saturday with the news that a number of their injured players - including Springboks Ruan Venter and Quan Horn - will return for their tour to Europe.
The Lions leave Tuesday night for the Welsh capital, full with the knowledge that they can do their top eight hopes the world of good if they get a win over Cardiff this weekend, as well as filling up with confidence ahead of next weekend’s clash with defending URC champs Glasgow Warriors.
The return is well-timed, as Horn missed the last two games, while Venter was off for concussion protocol.
Also joining them on tour is midfield star Henco van Wyk, fresh from the Bok alignment camp and the URC’s top poacher JC Pretorius, who overcame a hamstring injury to add his name to the travelling list.
The Lions will be without one Springbok though in catalyst Morne van den Berg.
The Bok hurt his finger in the narrow loss to the Sharks in Durban last week and will miss the tour accordingly.
On a mission.#ForOurCity #LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/FImFVHDVJD
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) March 17, 2025
Taking his place in the touring squad is youngster Layton Horn, who will be making his tour debut for the side while Kade Wolhuter returns as flyhalf cover on the tour.
The Lions tour will be for three weeks, with the third going over into EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 fixture against Edinburgh.
LIONS TOURING SQUAD:
Forwards: PJ Botha, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Delport, Izan Esterhuizen, Francke Horn, SJ Kotze, Darrien Landsberg, Franco Marais, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, JC Pretorius, Sibabalo Qoma, Juan Schoeman, RF Schoeman, Ruben Schoeman, Conrad van Vuuren, Ruan Venter, Jaco Visagie.
Backs: Richard Kriel, Quan Horn, Layton Horn, Gianni Lombard, Marius Louw, Tapiwe Mafura, Manni Rass, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Henco van Wyk, Kade Wolhuter.