The team from Johannesburg will be looking to continue their upward trajectory after entering the play-offs for the first time
The 10Bet Lions had never reached the United Rugby Championship play-offs – or even the European Champions Cup – before last season. In other words, the Johannesburg-based outfit have just enjoyed their best 12 months since joining the URC, and they will be looking to build on that in 2026-27.
Below is the rule of thumb for the Lions’ chances this year. The world of rugby will also have season previews for everyone United Rugby Championship and Gallagher PREM sides from now until the big kick-off on Friday 25th September.
Lions discussions
The Lions made history last season when they qualified for the URC play-offs for the first time. A few weeks later, they were brought to earth with a blow, losing 59-10 to Leinster in Dublin.
Since then, coach Ivan ‘Cash’ van Rooyen has made several important signings with the aim of adding depth to the squad and improving a win-loss record that leaves much to be desired.
While the Lions reached the URC quarter-finals last season, they won just ten of their 18 league games. They failed to qualify for the Challenge Cup play-offs and, overall, struggled in their away matches, as evidenced by two draws and seven defeats.
Playing in the Champions Cup for the first time will increase the pressure. If they don’t show some improvement in the coming months, they won’t be able to finish in the top tier.
A key player
Cool-headed Chris Smith has been at the heart of the Lions’ relative success over the past 12 months. The scrum-half finished last season as URC’s second-highest scorer (154) after Stormers fielded Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Over the years, the Lions have been celebrated for their expansive game plan, but the addition of Smith – who moved south from the Bulls in 2025 – added balance to their approach and gave them a match-winning goaltender.
Teenage center Ethan ‘The Tank’ Adams made his mark at the World Junior Championships in Georgia (Richard Huggard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
One to watch
Ethan ‘The Tank’ Adams, 19, bulldozed defenders at this year’s World Junior Championships in Georgia. The teenage center should complement an exciting Lions back division that includes current Boks scrum-half Morné van den Berg and prop Quan Horn.
Trainer box
Van Rooyen was in charge for seven seasons after serving as an assistant and conditioning coach for more than a decade. Jaque Fourie (defence), Ricardo Loubscher (attack), Wessel Roux (settings) and Julian Redelinghuys (scrum) are key personnel.
Lions 2026-27 predictions
A young and exciting Lions side should get some notable scalps, but the challenging schedule will take its toll. This time there is no place for them in the play-offs.
Lions 2026-27 quotas
33-1
Vital statistics
The Lions made an incredible 203 sacks in 2025-26 – more than any other team.
Hyron Andrews returns to South Africa after a two-year stint with Sale Sharks (Alex Williamson/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Signatures of lions
- Hyron Andrews (Sales)
- Boeta Chamberlain (Newcastle Red Bulls)
- JP du Preez (Red Hurricanes)
- Daniel Kasende (Ospreys)
- Asad Moos (Stormers)
- Monument and Stone (Montauban)
- Boan Waits (Edinburgh)
Lions ddepartures
- Lubabalo Dobela (Narbonne)
- Ruben Schoeman (Narbonne)
- Darrien Landsberg (Sharks)
- Gianni Lombard (Sharks)
- Heiko Pohlmann (Boland)
- Raynard Roets (Biarritz)
- Franco Marais (retired)
- Jaco Visagie (retired)
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