The Lions have suffered a major setback with a senior member of their front row calling time on his career.

Hooker Jaco Visagie has been advised to retire after the serious neck injury he suffered in September, which ruled him out of the Currie Cup final and the early stages of the URC.

The 33-year-old’s absence has now been confirmed as permanent following medical consultation.

Visagie joined the Lions in 2020 and quickly became a reliable figure in their pack, bringing experience from earlier stints with the Bulls, Gloucester and Toulouse.

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To fill the void, the Lions have turned to loan signing Janco Uys from Griquas, while Franco Marais, Morne Brandon and Marno Grobbelaar remain available to coach Ivan van Rooyen.

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