COVID-19 blow for Lions
BREAKING NEWS: The Lions versus Cheetahs Super Rugby Unlocked Round Three match will go ahead on Saturday, despite an outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Ellis Park.
The Lions on Wednesday confirmed that four positive cases of COVID-19 have been detected among the Lions squad this week.
The team gets tested every week, as required by protocol.
These players, all of whom are asymptomatic, have been removed from the squad.
The Lions declined to name the players, but last week Friday – ahead of their encounter with the Stormers at Newlands – veteran utility forward Willem Alberts withdrew from the team because he was in close contact with a COVID-19 case and went into quarantine.
Alberts was tested last Monday and cleared.
The Lions said all protocols were adhered to and the relevant parties have been informed.
“We are ready and preparing for the Cheetahs at Ellis Park this weekend,” a statement read.
“The team will be retested as per COVID protocols.”
“He’s the kind of character we feel can take the Lions a long way forward,” Coach Ivan van Rooyen on @BurgerOdendaal, who received Man of the Match after Saturday’s match.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/xTXG8M2cAr
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 20, 2020
