The Lions on Tuesday confirmed the union has released star loose forward Cyle Brink from his contract with immediate effect.
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In a one-sentence press release signed-off by CEO Rudolph Straeuli, the Lions stated: The Lions Rugby Company will release Cyle Brink from his contract as requested by the player with immediate effect.
Brink, 26, is wildly expected to continue his career in England with Leicester Tigers.
Brink, who has been beset by injuries during his career, underwent an Achilles tendon operation in late January, ruling him out of this year's Super Rugby tournament.
The Lions are currently bottom of the SA Conference and 12th in the Overall standings.
They will next be in action against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, 14 March at 05:25 SA time.