Lock Nothnagel leads Lions squad as they embark on final URC trip of season

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named a 28-man squad for their United Rugby Championship trip to Wales.

The Lions will tackle the Dragons in Newport on Saturday in their final game of the season.

Lock Reinhard Nothnagel has been named captain for the trip, while exciting centre Henco van Wyk embarks on his debut tour for the Lions.

Forwards

Sti Sithole, JP Smith, Jannie du Plessis, Jaco Visagie, PJ Botha, Ruan Dreyer, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinhard Nothnagel (captain), Ruan Venter, Ruben Schoeman, Sibusiso Sangweni, Vincent Tshituka, Francke Horn, Jarod Cairns, Morne Brandon, PJ Steenkamp

Backs

Morne van den Berg (vice-captain), Andre Warner, Jordan Hendrikse, Tiaan Swanepoel, Matt More, Manuel Rass, Henco van Wyk, Edwill van der Merwe, Stean Pienaar, Quan Horn, Sanele Nohamba, Rabz Maxwane

"We're quite pleased with the squad we've selected ahead of our final URC match in Newport against the Dragons," Van Rooyen said.

"As mentioned last week, it gives us an opportunity as a franchise to cast our eye towards the future, and we believe that the bulk of this group will form part of that core.

"Once again, this approach is in line with our strategy of developing within our structures and some of these names are proof of that.

"In saying that, Dragons will be a tough outfit to play in their own backyard. However, it offers a few our players an opportunity to impress."

The Lions will depart on Tuesday, with Saturday's match at Rodney Parade scheduled for 16:00 (SA time).