Lions learn fate after latest COVID-19 tests

UPDATE: SA Rugby released a statement regarding the Lions v Griquas in Johannesburg on Friday.

The match will now go ahead after the latest round of COVID-19 testing. There were some concerns earlier this week that the match could be cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.

“SA Rugby can confirm that following consultation with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the Super Rugby Unlocked match between the Lions and the Griquas can go ahead,” said a statement.

“The match is scheduled for Friday 30 October and kick-off at Emirates Airline Park is at 19h00 [local time].

“This follows last weekend’s Super Rugby Unlocked match between Lions and Cheetahs being called off in line with COVID-19 protocols.”

READ: Tuesday is D-Day for Lions

Last week, ahead of the Lions’ match against the Cheetahs in Johannesburg, there was confirmation of four positive cases in the Lions squad, then the revelation that nine players had been left out of the matchday squad for the encounter as a result contact protocols.

Then there was the big bombshell on Saturday of the postponement of the match and confirmation that there were two additional positive cases.

Rudolf Straeuli, Chief Executive Officer of the Lions Rugby Company, said a decision on the rescheduling of the postponed encounter with the Cheetahs rests with SA Rugby – “in consultation with the two franchises”.

The Lions will announce their team for Friday’s match with Griquas on Wednesday.

The announcement you’ve all been waiting for: Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked kicks off in Joburg this Friday.

The Emirates Lions will return home after 258 days to host the Tafel Lager Griquas.

Ahead of that, the Xerox Lions will face the Vodacom Blue Bulls in the U21 Final. pic.twitter.com/ZOnTuVkpEX

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 28, 2020