Lions get major boost for URC

INJURY UPDATE: Lions received some good news regarding their long injury list.

According to the Johannesburg franchise, Tiaan Swanepoel and Willem Alberts are both fit to play after long term injuries.

Springbok veteran Alberts has not featured in a United Rugby Championship (URC) match after he sustained a hamstring injury during the Currie Cup season in June.

The 24-year-old Swanepoel, who can play fullback and flyhalf, suffered a fractured right fibula during his team’s 9-24 defeat to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in May.

The duo's return is major news for Lions, especially with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse also facing a long lay-off.

The young pivot fractured his ankle against Scarlets in Round 2 of the URC and is expected to be out of action for up to five months.

On the mend is Eddie Fouché, who has a high-grade ankle ligament injury and is recovering well and likely to return by the next round of matches.

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

The Lions will welcome Cardiff to Ellis Park on Sunday, November 28 in their first home URC match.