One Bok back, another absent from Lions touring squad

VIDEO: The Lions take to the skies heading for France on Tuesday evening as they embark on the rest of their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.

They announced their touring group for their match against Montpellier on Saturday hours before they got packing. The team was to gather at the OR Tambo International airport at 16.00 and depart at 19.00.

Julian Redelinghuys, the Lions’ scrum coach, revealed that Springbok fullback Quan Horn will be ready to face Montpellier on Saturday.

The Bok fullback has been absent from any on-field action since the end of November due to injury.

He is joined in the travelling squad by Kelly Mpeku, who makes his debut tour.

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Players not considered due to injury are winger Rabz Maxwane, lock Reinhard Nothnagel, utility forward Sibabalo Qoma and centre Henco van Wyk, along with flanker Ruan Venter, flyhalf Kade Wolhuter and hookers Morne Brandon and Franco Marais, who will be available from next week.

Ruben Schoeman is currently serving a five-week suspension.

Another name absent from the list provided by the Lions is Springbok Morne van den Berg. Redelinghuys explained that the scrumhalf is not considered due to arrangements made with the Springboks.

“There are different negotiations with all the guys that played [for the] Springboks. So some guys started earlier with us and got weekends rested so it’s just a managing process with the guys that were involved with the Springboks,” the coach explained.

The Lions ended their 2024 with a loss to the Stormers in Cape Town in Round Nine of the United Rugby Championship.

In the Challenge Cup, they lost to Ospreys in Swansea but bounced back with a six-try win at Ellis Park against Pau.

Your Emirates Lions touring squad heading to Montpellier for Round 3⃣ of the EPCR Challenge Cup.#ForOurCity
#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/xfSFqykC9K

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 7, 2025