The Lions have confirmed there have been four positive cases of Covid-19 in the squad this week, but that the players concerned are asymptomatic.

‘The team gets tested every week as required by protocol,’ a Lions statement read.

‘These players, all of whom are asymptomatic, have been removed from the squad. All protocols have been kept and the relevant parties have been informed.

‘We are ready and preparing for the Cheetahs at Emirates Airline Park this weekend. The team will be retested as per Covid protocols.’

Last week Willem Alberts had to be withdrawn from the Lions team to face the Stormers following confirmation that he was in close contact with someone who has Covid-19.

Alberts was set to start at lock, but the Lions confirmed on Friday that the 36-year-old was unavailable and had gone into quarantine.

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