Captain Marius Louw and scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba are among the star names that have been left out of the Lions squad for the Challenge Cup opener against Perpignan in France.
The Lions announced a 26-player squad that will travel to the south of France on Wednesday for Sunday’s opening fixture of their European Challenge Cup campaign.
The squad has a youthful look to it, as starting lineup regulars Nohamba, Louw, Francke Horn, Quan Horn, Emmanuel Tshituka and Henco van Wyk have all remained in Johannesburg to prepare for next weekend’s home clash with Newcastle Falcons.
Nohamba’s absence will allow Jordan Hendrikse to potentially get a run as the starting flyhalf, with Gianni Lombard and Zander du Plessis the other two playmakers in the squad. Hendrikse has played just 37 minutes in the last four games in the Vodacom URC, all as a substitute.
The squad also features a return to action for former Sharks and Lyon lock Etienne Oosthuizen. The 30-year-old was forced to hang up his boots during his stint in France due to a heart condition, but he has been training with the Lions after getting the green light from cardiologists.
On-loan Griquas scrumhalf Johan Mulder could make his tournament debut for the Lions.
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