The following media release was received from the Golden Lions Rugby Union, as the Lions decide to cancel their two match tour in April to the United States of America. The Lions would have played twom matches in The Lions Challenge, in California and Texas respectively.

Regrettably, the Golden Lions Rugby Union management, following consultation with the senior coaches, have taken the decision to no longer proceed with the MTN Lions’ intended tour to the United States of America.

This the unfortunate result of uncertainty regarding the quality of the opposition, accommodation and travel limitations, as well as increased cost aggravated by the weakening exchange rate.

The Union worked with an outside tour organiser to coordinate the Rugby Showdown tournament, which encompassed two matches to be played in California and Texas in mid-April.

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 MTN Lions would face abroad would not be of a strong enough standard.

Booysen, however, remains 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 MTN Lions squad over the upcoming weeks,” he confirmed.