Emirates Lions Announce Squad For Benetton Clash At Stadio Monigo

 

Ivan van Rooyen, Emirates Lions head coach named an experienced and exciting squad to travel to Italy to play Against Benetton on Saturday at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso at 15:00 (SA Time). The Emirates Lions will depart tonight from the OR Tambo International at 17;00 (SA Time)

The Emirates Lions will return to South Africa for their top 8 EPCR Challenge match Racing 92 at Emirates Airline Park at 18:30 (SA Time).

Hooker Morne Brandon returns to the touring squad after last touring with the team in September 2021. while Fidelity ADT Lions captain Travis Gordon gets the nod after playing 160 minutes of Currie Cup rugby to mark his successful return to rugby after a long-term injury.

Also back is lock Reinhard Nothnagel, who has recovered from an ankle injury suffered in December 2022, while Springbok tighthead Ruan Dreyer returns to offer experience to the front row department, which includes Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Rhynardt Rijnsburger, and JP Smith.

Flank Ruan Delport enjoys his first tour in URC colours after being drafted into the group in February 2023 and Andries Coetzee returns to his former club after spending a year with the Italians.

Forwards: Willem Alberts, PJ Botha, Morne Brandon, Ruan Dreyer, Travis Gordon, Francke Horn, Jaco Kriel, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Delport, Ruben Schoeman, Rhynardt Rijnsburger, JP Smith, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ruan Venter.

Backs: Andries Coetzee, Quan Horn, Rynhardt Jonker, Gianni Lombard, Marius Louw, Rabz Maxwane, Sanele Nohamba. Manuel Rass, Edwill van der Merwe, Mrone van den Berg.