The MTN Lions have released a jam-packed fixtures list of friendlies to keep them busy ahead of their promotion-relegation match in late July 2013 to re-enter Vodacom Super Rugby.
The Lions have arranged a massive 16 friendlies, including games against all five local Super Rugby sides, a tour to the United States and several international games against top international sides such as the French Barbarians, Samoa, Russia and Montpellier to keep their fans happy.
The Union has delivered after they were denied the opportunity of playing in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament, losing their place to the Southern Kings, who will make their debut next year.
Teams will face the Lions in a tournament called “the Lions Challenge” with details on the tournament still to be announced.
“The 2013 schedule includes fixtures from our new tournament, the Lions Challenge, and local matches in the Super Rugby promotion/relegation series. Currie Cup fixtures will be confirmed at a later date,” a statement from the Union said.
“More information regarding ticketing, the overall tournament and opposition sides will be revealed in weeks to come. An official tournament launch will also take place.”
Fixtures announced are as follows
19 Jan 2013 v Russia (7pm, Ellis Park)
23 Jan 2013 v Cheetahs (5pm Ellis Park)
2 Feb 2013 v Bulls (3pm, Orlando Stadium)
9 Feb 2013 v Kings (TBC, Ellis Park)
23 Feb 2013 v Namibia (TBC, Windhoek)
16 March 2013 v Mont de Marsan (7.30pm, Ellis Park)
13 April 2013 v US Invitational (TBC, Irvine California)
20 April 2013 v US Invitational (TBC, Vancouver, California)
27 April 2013 v Chicago Lions (TBC, Chicago)
11 May 2013 v Agen (3pm, Ellis Park)
1 June 2013 v Samoa (3pm, Ellis Park)
8 June 2013 v French Barbarians (2pm, Ellis Park)
15 June 2013 v Stormers (2pm Ellis Park)
21 June 2013 v Sharks (7pm, Ellis Park)
12 July 2013 v Montpellier (7pm, Ellis Park)
20 July 2013 v Grenoble (2.30pm, Ellis Park)
27 July Promotion-Relegation (TBC)
3 August Promotion-Relegation (TBC)
