Lions

The Lions trace their roots to the Transvaal Rugby Football Union, founded in 1889, making them one of the oldest rugby unions in South Africa. Playing out of Johannesburg — the heartbeat of South African sport — the Lions have produced some of the country's greatest players and been a cornerstone of South African rugby across multiple eras. The franchise has competed in Super Rugby since the competition's inception and has been a regular contributor to Springbok squads.

Their most celebrated modern era came between 2016 and 2018 when, under coach Johan Ackermann, the Lions reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals — losing to the Hurricanes in 2016 and the Lions in 2017 and 2018. It was a remarkable run that showcased some of the most exciting rugby in the southern hemisphere and produced a generation of Springbok talent. Now competing in the United Rugby Championship, the Lions continue to develop young South African talent and bring Johannesburg's passion to European competition.

Red and gold — the Lions' colours are bold, proud, and deeply rooted in the history of Transvaal rugby. The red shirt with gold trim has been worn by some of South Africa's greatest players and carries the weight of over a century of Johannesburg rugby. It is a kit that commands respect across the southern hemisphere and increasingly across Europe as the Lions establish themselves in the URC.

The Lions' home red jersey is one of the most recognisable in South African rugby, worn at Emirates Airline Park — a stadium that has hosted some of the most memorable matches in Super Rugby history. The gold detailing reflects the Witwatersrand gold mining heritage of Johannesburg and gives the kit a distinctive identity that sets the Lions apart from their South African rivals.