Currie Cup 2026: Lions chasing redemption after back-to-back final heartbreak

The Lions enter the 2026 Currie Cup season after losing the last two finals on late penalties, to the Griquas (27-25) and the Sharks. Coach Mzwakhe Nkosi does not view those seasons as failures, noting the team lost only one game per season. He set three objectives: introduce the next generation, bridge the gap between junior and senior rugby, and go as far as possible, hoping to reach the final. The Lions start on Sunday against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.