The Lions, currently known as the Emirates Lions for sponsorship reasons, are one of South Africa’s most storied professional rugby franchises. Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the team has represented the region in major international competitions for nearly three decades. They competed in Super Rugby from its inception in 1996 until 2020 and have since been part of the United Rugby Championship (URC) from 2021 onward. Domestically, their feeder union competes in the Currie Cup as the Fidelity ADT Lions.
The franchise traces its lineage through several identities, including Transvaal, Gauteng Lions and the Cats, before settling on the Lions brand in 2006. Throughout these transitions, one constant has remained: Ellis Park Stadium, now commonly referred to as Emirates Airline Park, has been their fortress and spiritual home.
Roots in Transvaal Rugby
The Lions’ history stretches back to 1889 with the formation of the Transvaal Rugby Football Union in Johannesburg. Delegates from clubs such as Pirates, Wanderers and Pretoria united to govern the sport in the region. Transvaal quickly established itself as a dominant provincial force, adopting the iconic white jersey with a red hoop and black shorts that still define the team’s identity today.
Over time, the union’s catchment area shrank as Western Transvaal, Northern Transvaal and Eastern Transvaal broke away to form their own unions. Despite these changes, Transvaal remained a powerhouse in South African rugby and laid the foundation for the professional franchise that would emerge in the mid-1990s.
Financial Crisis and Ellis Park Drama
The 1980s brought severe financial strain. A costly redevelopment of Ellis Park into an 80,000-seat modern stadium left the union burdened with enormous debt, peaking at over R40 million in 1984. Volkskas Bank assumed control of the stadium, and the union’s survival hung in the balance.
The turning point came with the appointment of Dr Louis Luyt as president in 1984. Through shrewd negotiations and innovative commercial strategies, including the addition of corporate suites and restructuring stadium ownership, the union gradually stabilised its finances. By 1993, the debt had been repaid. Ellis Park would later undergo naming changes, including a period as Coca-Cola Park between 2008 and 2012, but it has always remained central to the Lions’ identity.
Super 10 Success and Super Rugby Beginnings
Before Super Rugby, Transvaal competed in the Super 10 tournament from 1993 to 1995. They claimed the inaugural title in 1993, defeating Auckland 20–17 at Ellis Park. This success carried into the professional era when the Super 12 launched in 1996.
In the early Super 12 seasons, the franchise operated first as Transvaal and then as the Gauteng Lions. Results were mixed, but competitiveness improved quickly. By 1997, the team narrowly missed the playoffs after finishing fifth.
The Cats Era
In 1998, South Africa adopted a franchise model similar to Australia and New Zealand. The Cats were formed as one of four new franchises, drawing players primarily from the Golden Lions, Leopards and Pumas, and occasionally Free State structures. Home games were split between Ellis Park and Free State Stadium.
Under coach Laurie Mains, the Cats reached the semi-finals in 2000 and 2001, marking their first sustained period of success. They finished fourth in 2000 and third in 2001 but were eliminated at the semi-final stage both times. Despite promise, consistency proved elusive in later seasons, and by 2006, following the expansion to the Super 14, the Cats finished 13th.
Rebranding as the Lions
In September 2006, the Golden Lions Rugby Union rebranded the franchise simply as the Lions, unveiling a new logo and identity. However, the following years were challenging. The team endured several bottom-of-the-table finishes in Super Rugby, including a winless 2010 campaign.
Relegation battles further complicated matters. In 2013, after finishing last in 2012, the Lions were replaced by the Southern Kings. Determined to reclaim their status, the union launched the Lions Challenge Series in 2013 and subsequently defeated the Kings in a two-legged playoff to regain their Super Rugby place for 2014.
The Ackermann Revival
The arrival of Johan Ackermann as head coach signalled a dramatic transformation. Alongside Swys de Bruin, Ackermann rebuilt the squad with an emphasis on attacking rugby, fitness and unity. The resurgence was swift.
After steady improvement in 2014 and 2015, the 2016 season marked a breakthrough. The Lions topped their conference and reached their first Super Rugby final, losing 20–3 to the Hurricanes in Wellington. They returned to the final in 2017, this time hosting at Ellis Park, but fell 25–17 to the Crusaders. In 2018, they achieved a remarkable third consecutive final appearance, again losing to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Although silverware eluded them, the Lions became the first South African franchise to reach three straight Super Rugby finals, establishing themselves as a dominant force during that era.
Decline and the Pandemic Disruption
Following their peak years, the Lions entered a period of transition. The 2019 season saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Coaching changes and the departure of key players weakened squad depth.
The 2020 season began poorly and was ultimately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A domestic competition, Super Rugby Unlocked, replaced the international format, but the Lions struggled and finished near the bottom.
A New Chapter in Europe
In 2021, South Africa’s four major franchises — the Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers — joined the northern hemisphere’s Pro14 competition, which evolved into the United Rugby Championship. An interim Rainbow Cup preceded the full URC integration, though the Lions struggled in that transitional tournament.
The inaugural 2021–22 URC season began brightly with an away win over Zebre. However, consistency remained an issue. Despite notable victories over South African rivals and strong home performances, the Lions finished 12th with an 8–10 record, earning qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The 2022–23 campaign showed improvement. An impressive unbeaten overseas tour early in the season highlighted the squad’s potential. However, derby defeats and inconsistent form ultimately cost them a playoff place. They finished ninth, narrowly missing the top eight by three points.
Ellis Park: The Fortress
Throughout every era, Ellis Park has remained the heart of Lions rugby. Situated in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, the stadium has hosted historic provincial clashes, Super Rugby finals and international fixtures, including matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. While ownership structures have evolved, the ground remains synonymous with the Lions’ identity and their passionate support base.
Legacy and Future
From the amateur dominance of Transvaal to the professional highs of three consecutive Super Rugby finals, the Lions’ story is one of resilience and reinvention. They have endured financial collapse, relegation and rebuilding cycles, yet consistently returned to compete at the highest level.
Now embedded in European competition through the URC, the Lions are forging a new identity while honouring more than a century of rugby heritage. Their journey reflects both the challenges and possibilities of South African rugby in the professional era — ambitious, resilient and always striving for the next breakthrough.