SA teams face mixed fortunes in new URC schedule

The United Rugby Championship (URC) has announced its fixture list for the 2026/27 season, which promises to bring a more balanced schedule to the competition. The new format will see South African teams embark on three two-game tours each, with a more even distribution of home and away matches.

The season will kick off with a bang, as Round one will feature matches in Ireland, Italy, South Africa, and Wales. All five competing territories will be in action during the first round, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Some of the highlights of Round one include Connacht hosting the Stormers at Dexcom Stadium, while the Lions welcome Leinster to Ellis Park. The Sharks will also be at home, taking on the Ospreys in Durban. Meanwhile, the Bulls will be on the road, travelling to Italy to face Zebre Parma.

Getting Ready for the New Season

The URC season will once again feature festive derby rounds, which will take place in December and early January. The Race to the Eight will also return, building up from Round 13 as teams battle it out for a spot in the playoffs. Themed rounds will also make a comeback, with more details to be announced by the URC soon.

The competition format remains unchanged, with the top eight teams progressing to the playoffs. The quarter-finals will start on Friday, May 28, followed by the semi-finals from Saturday, June 5, and the Grand Final on Saturday, June 19, which will crown the 2026/27 champions.

Round 1 Fixtures

Friday, September 25, will see the following matches take place:

• Benetton v Dragons RFC
• Connacht v DHL Stormers
• Ulster v Edinburgh

On Saturday, September 26, the following matches will be played:

• Lions v Leinster
• Sharks v Ospreys
• Munster v Glasgow Warriors
• Zebre Parma v Bulls
• Scarlets v Cardiff

For the full fixtures, click HERE for more information: http://unitedrugby.com/latest/news/2026-27-fixtures-in-full/?dm_i=5GVN,1EZCW,4IMJGT,5TGOY,1,0,0,0