Lions boosted by return of key players ahead of URC resumption

The Lions have been boosted by the return of a number of key players ahead of the resumption of the United Rugby Championship.

The tournament is currently on hold with the focus on the end of year northern hemisphere tests, but the Lions have now returned to training ahead of their fixture against the Cardiff Blues on 28 November. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, the franchise confirmed that both Tiaan Swanepoel (fibula) and Willem Alberts (hamstring) were now fit to play having recovered from long term injuries.

There was good news in the depleted flyhalf department, too, with Eddie Fouche (ankle) "likely" to be available for selection for the Cardiff game while Jordan Hendrikse (ankle) is expected to be out of action for up to five months.

Lock Pieter Janse van Vuren, meanwhile, injured his MCL and is expected to be available in mid to late December 2021.

The Lions currently occupy 13th position on the URC table having won one and lost three of their four fixtures so far.