After a European opener that didn’t go our way, Sean Everitt’s side return to league action top of the URC table, unbeaten in three, and keen to get back to winning ways under the Friday night lights.

There’s a familiar face in the visiting pack, too. Boan Venter made 108 appearances in Edinburgh colours before heading home to Johannesburg this summer. On Friday he returns to EH12 for the first time, this time in Lions red.

The last time the Lions came to Hive Stadium, we knocked them out of Europe. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.

Last time out

When these two sides last met in the capital, on a Friday night in April 2025, Edinburgh ran out convincing 24-12 winners to book a home Quarter-Final in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

There was plenty of motivation that night. Six months earlier, the Lions had put 55 points on Everitt’s side at Ellis Park, and Edinburgh came out determined to set the record straight.

The hosts were dominant from the first whistle. Wes Goosen opened the scoring, Ben Vellacott twisted over from close range after a sustained assault on the Lions line, and Darcy Graham’s electric break from inside his own 22 set up the third.

The visitors had Quan Horn sin-binned along the way for an illegal turnover attempt on Graham. Edinburgh went in at the break 17-0 up and in total control.

The Lions improved after half-time and were given a lifeline when Grant Gilchrist was shown yellow, but a resolute Edinburgh defence held firm. Francke Horn crossed for the visitors before Ali Price sniped over on 72 minutes to seal the win. Jaco Visagie’s late score was little more than a consolation.

Friday is a chance to make Hive Stadium count again.

Season so far

Edinburgh

Everitt’s side made their best start to a URC campaign in a decade. A 34-29 win over Ulster in Belfast was followed by a gritty 17-13 victory over the DHL Stormers on our home opener, with 19-year-old Rory McHaffie scoring the winner on his Hive Stadium bow. A four-try 29-12 bonus-point win over Zebre Parma, with Edinburgh down to 13 men at times, then sent us top of the table.

European rugby brought a tougher night. In front of a packed Hive Stadium marking 30 years of Edinburgh in Europe, RC Toulon ran out 27-17 winners in Round 1 of the Challenge Cup, with Melvyn Jaminet scoring 22 points.

Edinburgh twice fought back to within three points. Ewan Ashman finished a slick lineout move, and Geordie Gwynn pounced on a loose pass with his first touch to race clear. There was plenty to build on, not least a scrum that was on top all night, and a big response is expected on home soil this Friday.

10bet Lions

The Lions made history last season, reaching the URC play-offs for the first time and lifting the South African Shield. They’ve built on that this term.

Ivan van Rooyen’s side opened with a statement win, edging defending champions Leinster 27-26 at Ellis Park thanks to a late try from Kelly Mpeku. They followed it with a 35-19 bonus-point win over the Ospreys, scoring five unanswered tries in the second half. A trip to Loftus brought them back down to earth, though, as a Springbok-laden Bulls side won the Jukskei derby 57-15.

This week has been the hardest in the club’s history. On the eve of their first-ever Investec Champions Cup match, lock Hyron Andrews passed away suddenly at the team hotel in France, aged just 31. The Lions chose to play in his honour, and despite a 31-14 defeat to La Rochelle, they earned a standing ovation from the home crowd at full-time.

Everyone at Edinburgh Rugby sends our deepest condolences to Hyron’s wife Maiglin, their sons, his family, and everyone at the Lions. We look forward to welcoming them to the capital this week.

Players to watch

Edinburgh

Darcy Graham (wing) – The Scotland winger tore the Lions apart the last time they visited, and his break from deep was the highlight of that Round of 16 win. He made his first start of the season against Toulon and looked sharp every time he touched the ball. Expect him to be hunting space again on Friday.

Ewan Ashman (hooker) – Ashman crossed for a well-worked try against Toulon and was at the heart of a front row that had the upper hand at scrum time all night. With the Lions packing a former Edinburgh favourite at loosehead, the battle up front will be fascinating.

James Grayson (fly-half) – The playmaker kicked 14 points on the opening night in Belfast and has been reliable from the tee all season. Against a Lions side that loves to play at pace, his game management and territorial kicking will be key.

10bet Lions

Boan Venter (prop) – The Springbok loosehead spent six seasons with Edinburgh, establishing himself as one of the most dependable front-rowers in the URC before earning his first Test caps last year. He has started the season in the Lions front row, and you can be sure he’ll be up for this one. Hive Stadium will give him a warm welcome, at least until the first scrum.

Morné van den Berg (scrum-half) – The Springbok No.9 is the Lions’ main attacking threat. He’s quick around the fringes, sharp at reading broken play, and was a constant handful in that Round of 16 clash. Van den Berg makes the Lions tick, and keeping him quiet will be a priority.

Kelly Mpeku (wing) – The in-form finisher scored the late winner against Leinster on the opening weekend, then added two more tries against the Ospreys. Give him half a gap and he’ll punish it.

Tickets

Friday night lights, a familiar face returning and the chance to get back to winning ways at home. This is one you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are selling fast, so book early to secure your seat and help make Hive Stadium a fortress once again.