The Lions' unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end this afternoon as they fell 24 - 6 to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Jordan Hendrikse slotted a sensational 59-metre penalty in extra time to steal a thrilling 16-14 win for the Sharks over his former team, the Lions, in the Currie Cup Final.
Despite the Lions having lock Ruben Schoeman red-carded after 26 minutes, they claimed a bonus-point victory.
A viral video over the weekend has shed light on the cramped conditions that some Lions rugby players have had to endure when travelling back from their Challenge Cup defeat this weekend.
Springbok Franco Smith snuffed out the last hope South Africa had of its continued participation in Europe.
Dragons have confirmed a mass exodus of players from the club which now amounts to a total of 20 athletes since the season began.
Leinster moved four points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship following a 21-13 win over the Lions at the RDS Arena.
The Bulls made it back-to-back United Rugby Championship wins over the Lions with a 21-13 victory in Pretoria.