The Lions have released four players to overseas-based clubs for the duration of the Currie Cup.

Flyhalf Elton Jantjies (NTT Shining Arcs), centre Lionel Mapoe (Kubota Spears) and loose forward Warwick Tecklenburg (Kamaishi) have all signed agreements in Japan until February 2016.

Meanwhile, hooker Akker van der Merwe has signed a deal with Racing Métro which will see him play in France for the remainder of the 2015 season.

The players will return to the Lions for the 2016 Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images