Lions flank Jaco Kriel will miss Friday’s clash with Griquas in Johannesburg after withdrawing from the team for personal reasons.

Kriel was named to play off the bench in the Lions’ first home game of the Super Rugby Unlocked season on Friday evening. His place among the substitutes will be taken by Marnus Schoeman.

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A statement from the Lions on Friday morning said that Kriel would not feature as he ‘has been withdrawn…due to personal reasons’.

‘We support him in this difficult time,’ the Lions statement added.

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Kick-off for Friday’s match is at 7pm.

Photo: ANNE LAING/Gallo Images