{
  "id": 11412793,
  "title": "‘We are at that level’: Lions ready to have their depth tested over a tough season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/we-are-at-that-level-lions-ready-to-have-their-depth-tested-over-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:15:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/lions-depth-tested-season-jaque-fourie/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lions are preparing for a challenging season in both the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the premier Champions Cup competitions. Last season, the Lions experienced a breakout campaign, reaching the URC playoffs for the first time and securing their first-ever spot in the Champions Cup. However, the Champions Cup is widely considered the most competitive franchise rugby competition globally, featuring the top teams from the French Top 14, English Premiership, and URC. This season, the Lions will be tested by playing in both competitions, with a tough start against La Rochelle, who won the Champions Cup back-to-back in the previous two seasons.\n\nAssistant coach Jaque Fourie explained that the Lions had to play a weakened team during the Challenge Cup due to a lack of depth, which ultimately cost them in the earlier rounds. This season, the Lions aim to field their strongest team in the Champions Cup, as they understand that playing against weaker opponents could lead to significant losses. Fourie expressed that the Lions have built a competitive squad depth and are now confident in rotating players without a significant drop in quality. The team had a strong pre-season and is optimistic about their chances in both competitions, eager to prove their mettle and make the most of their first taste of the Champions Cup.",
  "summary": "The Lions have two major competitions they want to do well in during the 2026/27 season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lions aim to test depth in tough URC and Champions Cup season",
    "Last year's breakout campaign secured URC playoffs and Champions Cup debut",
    "Assistant coach Jaque Fourie confident in squad rotation and quality"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}