Lions target home URC semifinal in South Africa — TimesLIVE

The Lions rugby club from Johannesburg, South Africa, are aiming to host a United Rugby Championship semifinal at Ellis Park Stadium in the new season. Scrumhalf Nico Steyn said this, TimesLIVE reports.

A higher target after reaching the playoffs

Last season, the Lions achieved their goal of finishing among the top eight and reaching the playoffs, but their campaign ended in the quarterfinals. In Dublin, the team suffered a heavy 10-59 defeat to Leinster.

According to Steyn, the club now wants more than another top-eight finish. The players discussed within the team their intention to play a semifinal at home.

Earlier this year, Steyn himself received a call-up to the South Africa A squad for a match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha. The rugby player said the invitation came as a surprise: on Saturday evening, he received a message saying he had to join the team the following day. Taking part in the match, he said, gave him additional motivation.

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Season opener against the reigning champion

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen called consistency a key condition for success. He said the team had worked hard during the preseason and expects to maintain the momentum it had at the end of the previous season. The coach also stressed the need to cope with the challenges of home and away matches and travel.

The Lions will play their first game of the new season on September 26 at Ellis Park against Leinster, the URC champion for the 2025-2026 season. Van Rooyen described the opponent as a high-class team with a strong structure and fast press defense.

The club also confirmed the departure of scrumhalf Haashim Pead to the Stormers. During his Lions career, which he began in 2024, Pead made his Currie Cup debut in a match against the Bulls.