Earlier this week, the Lions team boss stressed the need to make use of his current squad, meaning implementing a rotation policy to tackle the demands of playing in two topflight international competitions.

"Rotation was always part of the plan for this trip to France," said van Rooyen.

"We have the opportunity to tap into the squad we currently have for the next two weeks of Challenge Cup fixtures both away and home.

"To get the performance we want and to potentially win both games (Perpignan and Newcastle Falcons), we will rely on the players at our disposal as we have huge confidence in using the broader squad. We've prepared and trained accordingly for the past 2-3 weeks so we™ll be ready to go."

Lions 26-man touring squad to Perpignan:

Backs: Andries Coetzee, Erich Cronje, Zander du Plessis, Boldwin Hansen, Jordan Hendrikse, Rynhardt Jonker, Gianni Lombard, Rabz Maxwane, Johan Mulder, Stean Pienaar, Nico Steyn

Forwards: Morne Brandon, Izan Esterhuizen, Corne Fourie, Travis Gordon, Morgan Naude, Etienne Oosthuizen, Heiko Pohlmann, JC Pretorius, Raynard Roets, Sibusiso Sangweni, Hanru Sirgel, Ruan Smith, Ruhan Straeuli, Conrad van Vuuren, Jaco Visagie

Lions Challenge Cup fixtures:

10 December 2023 – Perpignan vs Lions
16 December 2023- Lions vs Newcastle Falcons
13 January 2024- Montpellier vs Lions
21 January 2024- Lions vs Ospreys

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