The Lions will welcome back two key players from long-term injuries when the Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign resumes at the end of November.

In an injury update, the Lions confirmed that both Tiaan Swanepoel and veteran forward Willem Alberts are fit to play again.

Swanepoel has been out since early May after fracturing his fibula, while Alberts has recovered from his hamstring injury.

Also on the mend is on-loan flyhalf Eddie Fouche, who has a high-grade ankle ligament injury and is recovering well and likely to return by the next round of matches.

The news around Swanepoel and Fouche will be particularly welcomed as the team’s other flyhalf, Jordan Hendrikse, is expected to be out of action for up to five months.

The trio could all be included in the match-day squad for the Lions’ first home game of the season against Cardiff on Sunday, 28 November.