After reaching back-to-back Currie Cup finals, the Golden Lions enter the 2026 campaign with unfinished business, as Mziwakhe Nkosi’s side looks to finally turn consistency into championship success.
A new Currie Cup season begins this weekend with the usual mix of expectation, fresh faces and unfinished business, but for the Lions the opening round offers an immediate chance to show that the progress made in the United Rugby Championship can translate into a genuine title challenge.
While defending champions Griquas begin their campaign in Cape Town and the Pumas and Sharks XV kick off proceedings in Mbombela on Friday night, much of the attention on Sunday will fall on Bloemfontein, where Frans Steyn's Cheetahs host a Lions side eager to erase the disappointment of losing the last two Premier Division finals at Ellis Park.
Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has named a side that reflects the broader theme of the Lions' season, blending the next generation with proven performers. Lock Ruan Delport will captain the team, while experienced forwards Renzo du Plessis, Jarod Cairns and Morgan Naude provide a hardened edge up front.
In the backline, flyhalf Sam Francis partners scrumhalf Zian Cilliers, with veterans Rabz Maxwane and Rynhardt Jonker tasked with guiding a relatively inexperienced group.
