Lions have new challenges
The Johannesburg-based Lions have been forced to make more changes to their fixture list ahead of their Super Rugby promotion-relegation series next month.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union on Thursday revealed the additional changes to the team's fixture schedule for the remainder of the 'Lions Challenge Series'.
Matches against Samoa (June 1), the Stormers (June 14) and the Sharks (June 21) will still go ahead as scheduled.
However, the withdrawal of the French teams from the planned schedule means a number of changes.
The encounter with the French Barbarians, scheduled for June 8, was to have been replaced by an encounter with South African Barbarians. That game has also been called off and the Lions now have a bye next week.
An additional match against local rivals the Blue Bulls has been scheduled for July 6 at Loftus Versfeld.
Furthermore, the July 12 fixture against Montpellier has been replaced by a match against the Griquas at Ellis Park on Saturday July 13.
Following the Lions' Vodacom Cup success – a record fifth title – the team will look to continue their momentum and concentrate on their upcoming local fixtures, as they prepare for the Super Rugby promotion/relegation matches and the Currie Cup.
The promotion/relegation games are scheduled for Friday, July 26 (away) and Friday, August 2 (home).
The revised fixtures for the Lions:
June 1: v Samoa, Ellis Park – 14.30
June 14: v Stormers, Ellis Park – 19.00
June 21: v Sharks, Ellis Park – 19.00
July 6: v Blue Bulls, Pretoria – 16.30
July 13: v Griquas, Ellis Park – 15.00
July 26: Promotion/Relegation, TBC – 19.10
August 2: Promotion/Relegation, Ellis Park – 19.10
