Lions dealing with growing injury list ahead of historic URC playoff clash

Morne van den Berg has returned to South Africa for treatment on a bicep injury after being forced off at half-time in the Lions' 24-17 defeat to Munster Rugby in Limerick.

The Springbok scrumhalf's setback adds to an already stretched squad as the Johannesburg-based franchise prepares for the knockout stage.

The Lions are already without influential loose forward Ruan Venter, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained against Leinster Rugby two weeks ago.

Further uncertainty surrounds captain Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk. Horn is set to undergo scans on a hamstring issue, while Van Wyk will be assessed for an ankle injury, with both players remaining in Ireland for further evaluation.

Adding to the challenge, the Lions have confirmed that players selected for this week's Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town will participate remotely. The camp group includes Horn, loose forwards Bathobele Hlekani and Siba Mahashe, scrumhalves Van den Berg and Haashim Pead, centre Van Wyk, and fullback Quan Horn.

The decision comes after the squad opted to remain in Ireland rather than returning to Johannesburg, with the team prioritising preparation for their quarterfinal against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on 30 May.

The Lions finished seventh in the URC standings to secure their first-ever playoff appearance in the competition, setting up a rematch with Leinster in Dublin.

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