The Emirates Lions have officially confirmed six major signings ahead of their domestic and international campaigns. The new acquisitions arrive just in time for the Currie Cup opener and the gruelling 2026–27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
Head coach Ivan van Rooyen intends to integrate the incoming players immediately. The entire group is expected to be available for selection this Sunday, July 19, when the Lions launch their Currie Cup campaign against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The Johannesburg-based union has significantly fortified its forward pack with seasoned international and domestic experience:
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Loose-Forward): The 33-year-old Springbok back-rower returns to South African soil after a two-season stint in France with Top 14 outfit Montauban. Notshe brings dynamic ball-carrying ability and veteran leadership to the loose trio.
Hyron Andrews (Lock): The experienced second-rower returns to South Africa following a three-year tenure in Manchester with English Premiership side Sale Sharks. Andrews provides excellent lineout tracking and defensive grit.
JP du Preez (Lock): The towering lock adds immense physical presence to the second-row stocks. He makes the move to Doornfontein following a short stint in Japan with Red Hurricanes Osaka.
Van Rooyen has also injected explosive pace and tactical flexibility into the backline structures:
Boeta Chamberlain (Utility Back): The versatile 27-year-old playmaker joins the franchise after playing 13 matches for Red Bull Newcastle in England. Comfortable at both flyhalf and fullback, his tactical kicking will be a vital asset.
Dan Kasenda (Winger): The dynamic finisher returns to domestic rugby after turning out for Welsh URC outfit Ospreys since 2023. Kasenda adds lethal pace and proven try-scoring pedigree out wide.
Asad Moos (Scrumhalf): The 22-year-old former Junior Springbok arrives from the Stormers system. Moos provides sharp service from the base to reinforce the highly competitive No. 9 jersey.
The influx of talent is a calculated move by the Lions' management to navigate a packed calendar. After securing a top-eight finish last season, the squad faces the dual challenge of domestic Currie Cup action alongside the exhausting travel demands of the URC and the Investec Champions Cup.
With the Cheetahs clash just days away, fans will not have to wait long to see these new recruits pull on the iconic red and white jersey.