Lions cancel USA tour

Cape Town - The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) management, following consultation with the senior coaches, have cancelled the Lions’ tour to the United States of America.

According to the Lions website, the decision was taken as a result of uncertainty regarding the quality of the opposition, accommodation and travel limitations, as well as increased costs due to the weakening exchange rate.

The Union worked with an outside tour organiser to co-ordinate the Rugby Showdown tournament, which was to encompass two matches to be played in California and Texas as well as a match against the Chicago Lions.

Golden Lions Rugby Union CEO, Manie Booysen, expressed the Union’s sincerest apologies to supporters.

“We would like to apologise to all supporters and the players, staff and management who have been affected by the forced late cancellation of the American tour,” said Booysen.

“While we regret having to cancel the tour, we believe it is important to have the team’s travel and accommodation needs met.

“We were also concerned the level of competition that the Lions would face abroad would not be of a strong enough standard.

However, Booysen remained positive that new arrangements will be made for the team in the upcoming weeks.

“The GLRU management and senior coaches will endeavour to make alternate arrangements for the Lions squad over the upcoming weeks,” he confirmed.

Lions fixture list for 2013:

January 19: Lions 51-13 Russia
January 23: Lions 33-17 Cheetahs
February 2: Lions 33-38 Bulls
February 9: Lions 41-31 Kings
February 23: Namibia v Lions - Cancelled
March 16: Lions 56-24 Mont de Marsan
April 13: US Invitational v Lions - Cancelled
April 20: US Invitational v Lions - Cancelled
April 27: Chicago Lions v Lions - Cancelled
May 11: Lions v Agen - Ellis Park
June 1: Lions v Samoa - Ellis Park
June 8: Lions v French Barbarians - Ellis Park
June 15: Lions v Stormers - Ellis Park
June 21: Lions v Sharks - Ellis Park
July 12: Lions v Montpellier - Ellis Park
July 20: Lions v Grenoble - Ellis Park
July 27: Super Rugby promotion/relegation -  TBA
August 3: Super Rugby promotion/relegation - Ellis Park