The Fidelity ADT Lions and the Development Pathway

HOW IT WORKS. The Lions do not run two teams. They run one professional group across two calendars, with the Carling Black Label Currie Cup providing July and August game time to players who become selection options when the United Rugby Championship opens in late September.

THE 2026 CAMPAIGN. Played seven, won three, drew one, lost three. 227 points scored, 180 conceded. Fourth in the league phase, and a semi-final lost 52-12 at Griquas on 6 September.

WHO IT SERVED. Sam Francis, Layton Horn, Bronson Mills, Likhona Finca, Marno Grobbelaar and Kelly Mpeku — all in their early twenties, all carrying Currie Cup minutes into a URC season. Ethan Adams, now in the senior squad, scored in the semi-final at Griqua Park.

THE COACHING GROUP. Mziwakhe Nkosi, head coach. Wessel Roux, forwards, mental and life coach. Wynand Ellis, backline and attack coach. Dr Anri Collins, team doctor. Carol Dickson, massage therapist. MJ Rabodiba, team manager. Bestall Mondo, assistant to the team manager.

THE PATHWAY BENEATH. The Golden Lions Rugby Union structure runs from schools and club rugby through the academy and the age-grade sides into the Currie Cup squad, and from there into the professional group.