{
  "id": 13952624,
  "title": "Bronson Mills returns as Lions name squad for first-ever Champions Cup match",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/bronson-mills-returns-as-lions-name-squad-for-first-ever-champions",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T12:23:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/bronson-mills-returns-lions-squad-first-champions-cup/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Johannesburg-based Lions have unveiled their 30-player squad for their inaugural appearance in the Champions Cup. Young centre Bronson Mills, who had been sidelined by injury since March, returns to the team after a lengthy lay-off. Former Springbok loose forward Sikumbuzo Notshe, who has played for the Stormers, Sharks and Montauban in France, could make his debut for the Lions after several years away from the game. The Lions, who secured a place in the prestigious tournament last season, face a challenging first match against La Rochelle, a tough away fixture in the first round of the competition. The squad features a mix of 12 backs and 18 forwards, including experienced players like Richard Kriel and captain SJ Kotze, as well as younger talents such as Ethan Adams and Zian Cilliers. Coached by Ivan van Rooyen, the Lions aim to prove their worth in the Champions Cup after struggling in the second-tier United Rugby Championship, where they have yet to advance beyond the quarter-finals.",
  "summary": "The Lions will undoubtedly be the underdogs in a tough Champions Cup pool.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bronson Mills returns from injury to Lions squad",
    "Sikumbuzo Notshe could debut for Lions",
    "Lions face La Rochelle in first Champions Cup match"
  ],
  "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."
}