Ivan van Rooyen

‘Bold and brave’ Lions hunting home semi

Bolstered by a new wave of optimism from their new Springboks, the Lions believe that they can not only break into the Vodacom URC playoffs, but seal a home semi-final.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 18: PJ Botha of the Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Glasgow Warriors at Emirates Airline Park on May 18, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Cash: We just stuck to the plan

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen commended the Lions for trusting the process in the face of adversity to pull off a big win against the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 11: Emmanuel Tshituka of the Lions scores a try and celebrate with his teammates during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Cardiff Rugby at Emirates Airline Park on May 11, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Lions ‘still alive’ in URC playoffs hunt

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen breathed a sigh of relief after the Lions’ bonus-point win over Cardiff on Saturday, while skipper Marius Louw hailed their spontaneity and grit.

OHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 21: Richard Kriel of the Lions with the ball during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers at Emirates Airline Park on October 21, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Lions licking their lips for derby duel

Ivan van Rooyen said the Lions will return from a week’s break fired up in the race to the Vodacom URC playoffs, with one eye on a potential do-or-die clash at the DHL Stormers.

Emmanuel Tshituka in action for the Lions

Lions: We showed the Irish how to fight

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen hailed the character of the Lions in Saturday’s mauling of Leinster, while skipper Marius Louw savoured the rewards of a plan to create tries from turnovers. @Vodacom #URC

Galway , Ireland - 23 March 2024; Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen before the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Emirates Lions at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Sloppy Lions lick their wounds

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen and skipper Jaco Visagie said the Lions have plenty to work on tactically back in the Republic after their Challenge Cup exit on Saturday.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Huw Evans Agency/Shutterstock (14204722f) Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen during warm up Scarlets v Emirates Lions, BKT United Rugby Championship, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, Wales - 11 Nov 2023

Cash rues Lions’ impatience

The Lions paid the price for inconsistency in their loss to Ospreys on Saturday, and coach Ivan van Rooyen expects better in a crucial Challenge Cup clash next week.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock (14372135b) Emirates Lions vs Hollywoodbets Sharks. BKT URC Player of the match Sanele Nohamba with captain Marius Louw of Emirates Lions BKT United Rugby Championship, Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg, South Africa 2/3//2024 - 02 Mar 2024

Lions halfbacks lauded for sinking Sharks

Coach Ivan van Rooyen praised the calibre of Sanele Nohamba and Morne van den Berg as the duo helped the Lions beat the Sharks at a wet Ellis Park on Saturday.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Huw Evans/Shutterstock (14308186n) George North of Ospreys Emirates Lions v Ospreys, EPCR Challenge Cup, Rugby, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - 21 Jan 2024

Cash ignores Lions ‘wake-up call’?

Lions skipper Marius Louw was disappointed with Sunday’s loss to Ospreys, but coach Ivan van Rooyen downplayed its potential impact on the clash with the Vodacom Bulls this week.

Lions cashing in on squad rotation

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen expressed optimism about squad rotation benefiting the Lions in their Challenge Cup clash with Ospreys in Johannesburg on Sunday.