According to the Johannesburg-based union, the Lions are slated to play the Worcester Warriors in December, at least for the time being.
The English team was suspended from all tournaments earlier this week after failing to fulfill a deadline set by the Rugby Football Union, which demanded confirmation of insurance coverage and assurances regarding the monthly compensation of their players.
Worcester’s Sixways Stadium was subsequently closed to staff and players, and the club’s men’s and women’s professional teams were forbidden from competing in their respective competitions.
Worcester is scheduled to participate in the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup later this year, beginning their tournament at home on 9 December against the Lions.
Independent Media knows that a meeting with several parties regarding their participation in the tournament was conducted last week, but that no definitive decision was reached; a wait-and-see attitude currently appears more likely.
This is according to Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli, who was momentarily stopped as he left the union’s offices in Doornfontein on Thursday.
Straeuli stated that there is no new information on the topic.
“The EPCR is engaged in discussion. Clearly, it is a delicate matter at the present, and there is still much to occur before any judgment can be made. We are currently playing (the match) as is.”
The Lions will also meet Stade Francais at Ellis Park in the Challenge Cup a week after the still-to-be-arranged match against Worcester, with the return legs slated for January 13 and 20, respectively.
The Lions will have enjoyed their captain’s run on Thursday in Newport, Wales, where they will face Cardiff on Friday at Rodney Parade in the United Rugby Championship.
@FreemanZAR