- The Lions will take the field in France following the death of a teammate, with a new captain leading the side
- Several changes have been made to the starting XV ahead of the Investec Champions Cup fixture
- A pre-match tribute will honour Andrews as European rugby prepares to remember the late lock
Source: Getty Images
The Lions have reshuffled their starting XV for their Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle in France on Saturday, 17 October 2026, following the death of lock Hyron Andrews. Chris Smith will captain the Johannesburg-based side after regular skipper Francke Horn was ruled out with an Achilles injury.
The fixture comes a day after Andrews died following an accident at the team's hotel in France on Friday, 16 October. The 31-year-old's death has cast a shadow over the team's European campaign.
The Lions players and management decided to fulfil the fixture in Andrews' memory. The team will play at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle's home ground.
Lions starting XV sees changes in the pack and backline
The Lions have made several adjustments to their lineup ahead of the match. Morné Brandon comes in at No. 2, while Conraad van Vuuren returns at tighthead prop.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe starts at No 8 in Horn's absence, with Siba Mahashe taking the No 6 jersey. In the backline, Bronson Mills returns at inside centre following a lengthy injury lay-off, while Erich Cronjé comes in on the left wing.
Smith takes over the captaincy at flyhalf, with Morné van den Berg continuing at scrumhalf.
On the bench, on-loan Griquas No. 2 Tiaan Lange could make his Lions debut if selected during the match.
The Lions shared the team for Saturday's fixture in a post on X.
Champions Cup fixtures to honour Andrews
A minute's silence will be observed before every Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup match this weekend in memory of Andrews.
The Lions players and management jointly decided to proceed with Saturday's fixture. The match is scheduled for 18:30 South African time at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
The occasion will bring together the Lions' match-day responsibilities and a tribute to a teammate whose death has affected the squad. The team will now prepare to face La Rochelle under Smith's captaincy, with the revised lineup confirmed ahead of kick-off.
Lions starting XV against La Rochelle
15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronjé, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Morné Brandon, 1 Boan Venter.
Bench: Tiaan Lange, SJ Kotze, RF Schoeman, Dylan Sjoblom, Batho Hlekani, Nico Steyn, Richard Kriel and Boeta Chamberlain.
The Lions' confirmed team changes set the stage for a Champions Cup match that will carry particular significance for the squad as it takes the field in Andrews' memory.
Source: Briefly News