The team from the highveld are set to face Leinster on Friday evening in Dublin, and they will have to do so without the brothers Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka.

The brothers that were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo did not travel with the team to Dublin due to issues with their travel documents.

Lunga Ncube will join the squad in Dublin as cover.

The Lions confirmed the change to their squad via a brief statement.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances relating to their travel document requirements, brothers Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka will no longer make the trip to Dublin for their team’s United Rugby Championship fixture against Leinster on Friday, 25 February at the RDS Arena.

“The Tshitukas were originally named in the 26-man Emirates Lions travelling squad.

“Lunga Ncube will join the squad in Dublin as cover.”

On Friday at 19:30, Zebre hosts the Bulls in Parma, at 21:35 Leinster tackle the Lions at the RDS Arena in Dublin, while at 15:00 on Saturday, Connacht are home to the Stormers in Galway and 17:05 Benetton face the Sharks in Treviso.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport