Cape Town - The Golden Lions had no idea of scrumhalf Jano Vermaak's plans to move across the Jukskei River to join their rivals, the Blue Bulls.

The Blue Bulls on Tuesday announced that Vermaak will be joining them after this year's Currie Cup on a two-year contract.

According to the Beeld newspaper, the Lions have subsequently decided not to include Vermaak in their 22-man squad to take on the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

Lions coach John Mitchell will announce his squad for the game on Wednesday.

Vermaak apparently gave the Lions the assurance that he would not negotiate with any other unions before the end of the Currie Cup season.

Vermaak's dishonesty has thus prompted the Lions not to include the scrumhalf, rather opting to build for the future.

Michael Bondesio will play at No 9 in Vermaak's place, while the young Rudy Page is expected to be included as the reserve scrumhalf.