The Lions were formed in 1998. Until 2007 they were called the Cats. For the first two years of the Super 12/14 competition the franchise was represented by the Currie Cup team Gauteng Lions (Transvaal). The current franchise represents the South African Rugby Regions of Johannesburg, North West & Mpumalanga. Their home ground is Coca-Cola Park, usually known as Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Their colours are Red with Black trim.
The Lions play 6 games at Home & 7 Away in the 2010 season. Their bye is in the 8th round.
Their 2010 coach is Dick Muir.
Previous coaches included former All Black coach Laurie Mains & Eugene Eloff.
The Captain is flanker Cobus Grobbelaar.
The Lions finished in 12th position at the end of the 2009 round-robin stages.
They have finished in the top 4 of the round-robin stages of the Super competition twice out of 14 years, the latest in 2001. Their worst finish was last in 1998, 2003, 2004 & 2008.
In the Top 4 play-offs they have never featured in a final.
Their Home & Away winning percentage is 41% & 15% respectively. Their average Home & Away scores against all teams is: 26.7 v 26.5 at Home & 18.4 v 35.1 Away.Their toughest opponents at Home have been the Waratahs & Stormers & Away the Brumbies, Chiefs, Highlanders, Hurricanes & Waratahs.
Their best score was 57-24 against the Bulls in 1999 and best winning margin (+50) against the Chiefs in 2000. Their worst score was 28-68 against the Brumbies in 2004 and worst losing margin  (-64) against the Brumbies in 2000.
They are 13th= on the New Zealand TAB fixed odds to win the competition @ $150. On overseas betting they are also picked 13th= @ $101.
Their website is: www.lionsrugby.co.za