Lions can their US tour

The lack of quality opposition has forced the Lions to call off their planned trip to the United States.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union revealed on Friday that, following consultation with the senior coaches, they took the decision to no longer proceed with the Lions' intended two-match trip to the US.

According to a statement from the GLRU it is the "unfortunate" result of uncertainty regarding the quality of the opposition, accommodation and travel limitations, as well as increased cost aggravated by the weakening exchange rate.

The union said it worked with an outside tour organiser to co-ordinate the trip, which encompassed two matches to be played in California and Texas in mid-April.

GLRU CEO Manie Booysen expressed the union's sincerest apologies to supporters.

"We would like to apologise to all supporters and the players, staff and management who have been affected by the forced late cancellation of the American tour," said Booysen.

"While we regret having to cancel the tour, we believe it is important to have the team's travel and accommodation needs met.

"We were also concerned the level of competition that the Lions would face abroad would not be of a strong enough standard.

Booysen, however, remains positive that new arrangements will be made for the team in the upcoming weeks.

"The GLRU management and senior coaches will endeavour to make alternate arrangements for the Lions squad over the upcoming weeks," he confirmed.