The Lions have lost another promising player with the news that flank Cyle Brink has been released from his contract with the union.
The 26-year-old requested an early release to apparently pursue a career abroad and the Lions have agreed to let him go.
Brink, who made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in 2016, has played 45 matches for the franchise. He also previously played for the SA U-20 side and was part of the broader Springbok squad in 2018.
Brink has, however, suffered with various injuries in the last two years, something that also prevented him from making his Springbok debut.
Brink is the latest experienced player to leave the Lions, following the departure from Joburg last year of the likes of Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Ruan Combrinck and Jacques van Rooyen and before them Franco Mostert, Faf de Klerk, Ruan Dreyer, Jaco Krie and Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Malcolm Marx and Kwagga Smith are also currently playing in Japan, while Warren Whiteley has a long-term injury.
The Lions have, however, managed to lure Kriel back to Joburg and he is expected to be back on the field when the Lions return from their overseas trip of Australasia.