The Emirates Lions have called up the duo of JP Smith and Ruhan Straeuli after a double injury setback during their Vodacom United Rugby Championship away leg tour.
Both of them will join the team ahead of their clash against Scarlets this weekend after they suffered injuries to props Morgan Naude and utility forward Darrian-Lane Landsberg.
Naude had an AC joint injury in his shoulder, but the Lions have not determined how long he will be out for. Depending on the severity of the injury, Naude could miss as much as three months of rugby.
Landsberg left the field with a hamstring strain during the loss to Benetton in Treviso on Sunday and it has been determined that it would be better for him to return to South Africa for treatment, hence Straeuli’s call-up.
The injuries come just a week after the setback to Rhynardt Rijnsburger, who injured himself in the opening tour game against Edinburgh. Rijnsburger was replaced by JP’s brother, Ruan Smith on tour.
The Lions face Scarlets on Saturday night in their third tour game. They have not won a game after three rounds of this year’s Vodacom URC but have four bonus points to show for their efforts.