Johannesburg - The Lions on Tuesday confirmed that flank Cyle Brink, prop Dylan Smith and hooker Robbie Coetzee would not play any more rugby in 2018 due to injuries.
Brink was initially included in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship squad, but sustained a knee injury in training in Durban last week.
The Lions also added that scrumhalf Nic Groom would remain on the sidelines until October as he was still nursing a broken hand.
Meanwhile, the Golden Lions will open their Currie Cup campaign against Griquas at Ellis Park on Friday night and were boosted by the return of Springboks Ross Cronje and Marvin Orie, who were not chosen in the 28-man Springbok squad which travelled to Argentina.
Scrumhalf Cronje has been named captain of the side.
The Lions also boast Springboks in the form of fullback Andries Coetzee and left wing Courtnall Skosan.
Friday’s clash is scheduled for 19:00.
Teams:
Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Jan-Louis la Grange, 12 Manny Rass, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Ross Cronje (captain), 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Len Massyn, 6 James Venter, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Sti Sithole
Substitutes: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 PJ Steenkamp, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Dillon Smit, 21 Tyrone Green, 22 Wandisile Simelane
Griquas
TBA