LIONS LOOK TO CLIP RED BULLS WINGS AHEAD OF ROUND 2 CHALLENGE CUP CLASH

The Lions are in Newcastle this week as they prepare to face the Newcastle Red Bulls for Round 2 of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday evening.

The team from Johannesburg are eager for a solid performance after a disappointed loss to Benetton Rugby at Ellis Park this past weekend,

Despite the setback, Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse remains upbeat ahead of this crucial clash, against a high flying Newcastle side who overcame Lyon in France.

“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend.”

Head coach Ivan Rooyen has gone for a fairly fresh-faced side for Round 2, with an emphasis on testing squad depth and most importantly, exposing a new players to European conditions and competition.

Loose forward Jarod Cairns, who provide experience from the bench is excited at the energy the guys will bring especially those getting an opportunity.

“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend.”

In teams, WJ Steenkamp wears the captain’s armband for this clash. Siba Qoma returns with Renzo du Plessis completing the backrow. Richard Kriel and Manny Rass combine in the centres, in a backline that sees the return of Rabz Maxwane. Gianni Lombard occupies the last line of defence at fullback.

Kick-off at Kingston Park is at 19:30 (SA time)

Lions 23 vs Newcastle Red Bulls

1.           Eddie Davids

2.           Morne Brandon

3.           RF Schoeman

4.           Dylan Sjoblom

5.           Rubem Schoeman

6.           Renzo du Plessis

7.           Siba Qoma

8.           WJ Steenkamp (c)

9.           Nico Steyn

10.         Sam Francis

11.         Angelo Davids

12.         Richard Kriel

13.         Manuel Rass

14.         Rabz Maxwane

15.         Gianni Lombard

Replacements

16.         PJ Botha

17.         Leon Lyons

18.         Conraad van Vuuren

19.         Ruan Delport

20.         Jarod Cairns

21.         Haashim Pead

22.         Lubabalo Dobela

23.         Rynhard Jonker

Lions upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures

• Newcastle Red Bulls vs Lions (A)- 13 December 2025
• Lions vs Lyon (H)- 10 January 2026
• USA Perpignan vs Lions (A)- 17 January 2026