Lions face unique challenge
9 Jan 2013
The Lions will kick off their 2013 campaign against Russia next Saturday in the first of 12 matches at Ellis Park.
Having lost their Super Rugby status, the Joburg-based franchise has been forced to arrange fixtures against minnow nations, French and US clubs, and invitational sides that they hope will prepare them for their promotion-relegation tie against the last-place team in the SA conference.
The Lions will play the majority of their matches at home, which will please their fans, while travelling to California, Vancouver, Chicago and Windhoek.
Meanwhile, the GLRU is looking for a new naming-rights sponsor for Ellis Park after Coca-Cola opted not to renew their five-year, R12 million-a-year deal.
LIONS’ FIXTURES
19 January: vs Russia, Ellis Park (7pm)
26 January: vs Cheetahs, Ellis Park (5pm)
2 February: vs Bulls, Orlando Stadium (3pm)
9 February: vs Kings, Ellis Park (TBC)
23 February: vs Namibia in Windhoek (TBC)
16 March: vs Mont de Marsan, Ellis Park (7:30pm)
13 April: vs US Invitational, California (TBC)
20 April: vs North American Barbarians, Vancouver (TBC)
27 April: vs Chicago Lions, Chicago (TBC)
11 May: vs Agen, Ellis Park (3pm)
1 June: vs Samoa, Ellis Park (3pm)
8 June: vs French Barbarians, Ellis Park (2pm)
15 June: vs Stormers, Ellis Park (2pm)
21 June: vs Sharks, Ellis Park (7pm)
12 July: vs Montpellier, Ellis Park (7pm)
20 July: vs Grenoble, Ellis Park (2.30pm)
27 July: Promotion-relegation play-off, TBC (TBC)
3 August: Promotion-relegation play-off, Ellis Park (TBC)

103 Comments
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10 Jan 2013, 07:28 am
thing is, this is a really good schedule the lions have put together, well done KDK & Co.
i will definitely be watching these games and i think its safe to say quite a few of them will be more exciting than the kings vs whoever.
dont see the lions losing the promo/releg at the end either.
sorry kings, nothing personal.
10 Jan 2013, 10:18 am
Enough about dissing porn okes
13 Jan 2013, 13:37 pm
All I can say is…. Transvaal played a vital role in the birth of the Super Rugby tournament and by not just laying down after they were handed the card of SR exclusion (self inflicted AND politically motivated) – I really admire them for this.
I believe we will see a new and exciting brand of rugby.
Lions Supporter
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