- The Lions are preparing for a demanding European tour after their heavy defeat to the Bulls exposed defensive concerns
- Ivan van Rooyen has outlined his plans for the 30-man touring squad as three important matches approach
- Rassie Erasmus’ comments on managing player workloads have influenced the Lions coach’s approach to squad rotation
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Ivan van Rooyen is taking a leaf out of Rassie Erasmus’ book as the Lions prepare for a demanding European tour following their 57-15 defeat to the Bulls on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The Johannesburg side will travel with a 30-man squad for three matches, with the coach hoping to give every player meaningful game time.
The Lions begin their Investec Champions Cup campaign against French giants La Rochelle on Saturday, 17 October, before facing Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Lions coach plans squad rotation after Bulls defeat
Van Rooyen wants his players to move on quickly from the Loftus Versfeld setback, which saw the Bulls score nine tries.
SA Rugby Magazine reports that, speaking after the derby, he said:
“We can really sulk about this [result], or we can collectively pull in.”
He added:
“There’s no decision to be made – it’s just to get collectively back on the horse, jump on the plane and go fight that battle.”
The Lions coach also acknowledged that their defensive weaknesses could become a major concern against La Rochelle, who won the Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023.
Rassie Erasmus’ advice influences Lions tour plans
Van Rooyen explained that managing player workloads would be essential during the demanding schedule. He referred to comments made by Springbok coach Erasmus about the physical toll of consecutive matches.
“I think Rassie [Erasmus] said it as well: the moment you play two or three consecutive physical games, it does take a bit of a toll,” Van Rooyen said.
He added:
“So, ja, we’re going to take 30 guys on tour and hope to use all of them really well and give everyone good minutes.”
Lions face three crucial European battles
The Lions must first address their defensive problems before facing La Rochelle, then head to Edinburgh on 23 October and Glasgow Warriors on 30 October.
Van Rooyen’s rotation strategy could prove important in keeping the squad competitive across the three fixtures. The tour also gives the Lions a chance to respond after losing their unbeaten start to the URC season.
JP Pietersen finds positives despite Sharks’ Stormers defeat
Briefly News previously reported that Sharks coach JP Pietersen identified encouraging signs despite his side’s 39-22 defeat to the Stormers on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The Durban side battled injuries and disciplinary setbacks during the United Rugby Championship clash, but Pietersen believes their resilience offers something to build on as they prepare for their next challenge against Lyon in the European Challenge Cup.
Source: Briefly News
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