12 October 2026
10bet Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has locked in a 30-man squad for their maiden Investec Champions Cup campaign. The touring party splits into 18 forwards and 12 backs to tackle a brutal three-week European itinerary.
The Johannesburg-based franchise must dust themselves off quickly following a heavy 57-15 Jukskei derby defeat against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. They cross the hemisphere to anchor their campaign against French heavyweights La Rochelle this Saturday. The squad then flies to Scotland for back-to-back United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures against Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.
The squad receives a timely fitness lift with the return of winger Erich Cronjé, lock Etienne Oosthuizen, and midfielder Bronson Mills. Experienced Springboks including Boan Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Morné van den Berg, and Quan Horn bolster the traveling group, with loose forward Francke Horn continuing as captain. The team departs for Europe tonight.
Tour Fixtures:
17/10/2026 La Rochelle vs 10bet Lions
23/10/2026 Edinburgh vs 10bet Lions
30/10/2026 Glasgow Warriors vs 10bet Lions
10bets Lions touring squad:
Forwards: Hyron Andrews, Morné Brandon, PJ Botha, Ruan Delport, Batho Hlekani, Francke Horn (c), SJ Kotze, Tiaan Lange, Siba Mahashe, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Etienne Oosthuizen, JC Pretorius, Sibabalo Qoma, RF Schoeman, Dylan Sjoblom, Ruan Swart, Conrad van Vuuren, Boan Venter.
Backs: Ethan Adams, Boeta Chamberlain, Zian Cilliers, Erich Cronjé, Quan Horn, Richard Kriel, Bronson Mills, Kelly Mpeku, Chris Smith, Nico Steyn, Morné van den Berg, Henco van Wyk.