Players from the Stormers, Bulls and Lions have been included in the United Rugby Championship Elite XV of the Season.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen highlighted the positives of the United Rugby Championship season following their disappointing quarterfinal loss to Leinster on Saturday.
The Lions will have their work cut out when they face wounded Leinster in their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash on Saturday night in Dublin.
Former Springbok Victor Matfield and Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys have defended Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber in the wake of their disastrous Champions Cup loss.
The Lions will host Leinster and the Sharks welcome Ospreys on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship, with the Stormers and Bulls set to start away from home.
Lions loose forward Sibabalwe Mahashe will not be sanctioned by the United Rugby Championship for foul play or unsportsmanlike conduct.