The Lions have confirmed that coach Swys de Bruin has returned to South Africa for ‘personal reasons’.

Earlier in the week, the Lions revealed that wing Courtnall Skosan was heading back to South Africa to be with his father, who is gravely ill. It’s since been reported by Rugby365 that De Bruin and assistant coach Joey Mongalo are also returning home, and that they will play no further part on the tour to Australasia.

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A Lions spokesperson told SARugbymag.co.za that De Bruin is returning for ‘personal reasons’. It’s yet to be revealed what those reasons are.

Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli told Rugby365 that Ivan van Rooyen, who coached the team in last year’s Currie Cup, will assume control for the remainder of the tour.

The Lions will play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images