Official United Rugby Championship thread

[OomStruisbaai]

ROUND 1
Friday, September 24 Zebre v Emirates Lions | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA & SA | Super Sport, Premier Sports Ulster v Glasgow Warriors | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | Premier Sports Cardiff v Connacht | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports

Saturday, September 25 Benetton v DHL Stormers | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA & SA | Italian TV, Super Sport, Premier Sports Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | TG4, Super Sport, Premier Sports Edinburgh v Scarlets | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | Premier Sports, S4C Munster v Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | RTE, Super Sport, Premier Sports Sunday, September 26 Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA | Premier Sports

Sunday, September 26
Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA |

Need to bring this forward again.

[assfly]

Yep I like the format. It's going to be interesting to see how the Saffer teams do in the NH. Hope they start well after non stop playing for a long time.

Can't wait for new opposition, and finally supporting other SA teams in a comp.

[OomStruisbaai]

Yep I like the format. It's going to be interesting to see how the Saffer teams do in the NH. Hope they start well after non stop playing for a long time.

Can't wait for new opposition, and finally supporting other SA teams in a comp.

The conference s100 system sucks.

At least all the teams will play each other once.

[Chilli]

Would you say the issue at the saaks is too much money or is it attitude? How can you be that flat for a Currie Cup final?

Can you two please stop this cock swinging contest. This is a new competition with one log which mean we should support all our teams.

The NH lot is waiting for us.

Not all of us thanks

I'm starting to feel you warm to us.
Last week you would have been more blatant

[Chilli]

ROUND 1
Friday, September 24 Zebre v Emirates Lions | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA & SA | Super Sport, Premier Sports Ulster v Glasgow Warriors | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | Premier Sports Cardiff v Connacht | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports

Saturday, September 25 Benetton v DHL Stormers | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA & SA | Italian TV, Super Sport, Premier Sports Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | TG4, Super Sport, Premier Sports Edinburgh v Scarlets | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA | Premier Sports, S4C Munster v Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA | RTE, Super Sport, Premier Sports Sunday, September 26 Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA | Premier Sports

Sunday, September 26
Dragons v Ospreys | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA & SA |

Need to bring this forward again.

Thankfully the Cheetahs have beaten Benetton before, so we know what to expect.

[robmatic]

There will be global streaming coverage for those of us outside UK and SA, although they are leaving the details a little late.

The downside is that it will probably involve terrible Irish commentary, but it will still be quite handy to be able to watch all the games on a proper service.

NEVER MISS A MOMENT WITH URC TV
In time for the new season, RTÉ and United Rugby Championship (URC) will launch URC TV, a new global streaming service offering fans the opportunity to watch games live and on-demand, and follow their team home or away. It is an exciting new way for fans to watch games the way they want to, regardless of where they are in the world.*

URC TV will offer a range of subscription packages including a Season Pass (all games), Weekend Passes (all games within a round) and individual games passes. These will be available for fans watching in Ireland, Europe (excluding UK), North America, South America Asia and Australasia.

A free service showing a range of highlights, archive matches and snackable videos, will be available in all countries including the UK and South Africa (fans in these countries can watch all games live on Premier Sports and Super Sport respectively).

URC TV promises to give rugby fans access to world-class, year-round content and to follow all the action of their favourite team. The streaming service is will readily available on any connected device. Matches will be broadcast in HD with high quality English commentary with the ability to cast to a smart TV.

Packages go on sale in early September, be first to hear by signing up at www.urc.tv

Season pass is $140.

https://www.urc.tv/?showpackages=true

[SaintK]

Can you two please stop this cock swinging contest. This is a new competition with one log which mean we should support all our teams.

The NH lot is waiting for us.

Not all of us thanks

I'm starting to feel you warm to us.
Last week you would have been more blatant

[OomStruisbaai]

Vodacom on board
WP Rugby

Vodacom dials in as North and South collide for URC
The bold new world of the United Rugby Championship will fly under the banner of Vodacom following the announcement today that the African communications giant has dialled in as South African title sponsor for the new tournament for the next four years.
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship kicks off on 24 September – when the Emirates Lions take on Zebre in Parma, Italy – as north and south collide in what promises to be an intriguing and spectacular new global rugby competition.
Vodacom continue their long association with top-flight franchise rugby in a new-look competition that will feature 16 teams from five countries, battling it out over 144 matches to reach the eight-team play-offs in a season that will extend over eight months until the final in June.
“The United Rugby Championship heralds an exciting new era for South African rugby that will bring us closer to our friends in the northern hemisphere, and we’re delighted to confirm our long-standing partner, Vodacom, as the title sponsor in the southern hemisphere,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.
“This is an exciting new venture and promises to deliver international club rugby of the highest standard that will benefit South African rugby in the long run and it was typical of Vodacom’s vision that they didn’t hesitate in taking the opportunity to partner with us.
“We’ve been exposed to club rugby from the north for a while now, but the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is a bold step into a brand-new era of franchise rugby for South Africa, in a competition that will reshape the global game.
“The possibilities for the future reflect a gear shift for rugby in South Africa as well as on the north-south axis. As we’ve seen with the recent British & Irish Lions tour, our teams will be facing some of the best players in the world, testing their skills against some of the strongest club sides and going toe-to-toe with master tacticians on a weekly basis.”
Michelle van Eyden, Head of Sponsorship at Vodacom, said: “Since 1996, when our involvement with Vodacom Super Rugby began, top-flight rugby featuring the best teams with the world’s best players has been ingrained into Vodacom’s DNA.
“As world rugby moved from the amateur to professional era and then into a time of incredible global growth, Vodacom has supported the game’s journey at every step.
“The Vodacom United Rugby Championship is yet another evolution of our proud association with the very best that rugby has to offer, and we look forward to again providing the platform upon which a new era of north-south competition can set a new benchmark in excellence for the game.”
Vodacom announced it would also be using the partnership to promote its support of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
“We’re taking this further with the ‘Our Blood is RED’ campaign,” said Van Eyden.
“We’ll be hosting ‘Our Blood is RED’ experiences at each of the South African stadiums during the local Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches for fans to get involved and to drive blood donations.”
The new Vodacom United Rugby Championship will be divided into four pools – a South African Pool, Irish Pool (Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht), Welsh Pool (Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets, Dragons) and Scotland-Italy Pool (Benetton, Edinburgh, Zebre, Glasgow).
Each team will play 18 regular season games – nine at home and nine away – and all the sides will face each other at least once during the league phase of the competition, which will include double-rounds of local derbies before the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs.
Martin Anayi, CEO of United Rugby Championship, said: “We have the best European clubs in our league, and they as well as their fans are all very aware that we’re now bringing in the South African teams that basically feed the world champion Springboks.
“They will be bringing their own brand of big players, strong runner and high-intensity rugby and there is tremendous excitement about that.
“We have a team like Leinster who have been European champions so many times, and they were foremost in campaigning for the South African teams to join so that it can challenge them and continue to raise the overall standard.”
SuperSport will broadcast all 144 league matches as well as seven finals matches live, with games played simultaneously scheduled on different channels – either SS Rugby, SS Action or SS Variety 2, ensuring a broad range of coverage.
In addition, SuperSport will have a multi-platform offering with streaming on the DStv app and website to ensure sweeping coverage of all eight games per round of the regular season.
“We have chosen ‘It’s a different league’ as our tagline, which is indeed the case,” said Marc Jury, CEO of SuperSport.
“Adding the Vodacom United Rugby Championship to our broadcast portfolio is a huge statement of intent that reflects our belief in the vibrancy and growth of this event. Our coverage will have the same high standards of production that we see across all SuperSport rugby properties and we’ll have a variety of pundits and experts to ensure the best viewing experience.”
Among the optional new broadcast innovations are pencil cameras in coaches boxes, cameras behind kickers and body cams on water carriers, all offering a different perspective.
Anayi added that Vodacom’s longstanding support of South African rugby would be critical to the growth of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“We want to unite people around rugby like never before and create a version of the game that is inclusive – a game for all,” he said.
“And for this it’s wonderful to have a brand of Vodacom’s standing involved. Vodacom has a strong rugby heritage in South Africa, and it’s made it very easy for us because we don’t have to tell rugby fans in the North about the South African teams.
“They know them well from having watched decades of Vodacom Super Rugby on their televisions. Add in the Springboks’ success in the Rugby World Cup and the recent British & Irish Lions Tour and there is a lot of excitement building. So, Vodacom brings so much to the league and our ability to build the awareness and momentum.”
Marion Vermeulen, SANBS Acting Chief Marketing Officer said: “The SANBS is excited about our partnership with Vodacom during the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, which promises to drive support in numbers from the loyal rugby community.
“Sport remains one of the most established spaces where you find people from across different walks of life coming together to support a shared ambition. We embrace this opportunity and hope to see supporters backing their respective teams, and the greater South African community, by donating blood and contributing towards a collective win through saving lives.”
It’s a bold new era for rugby that will hit South African televisions with an equally bold and exciting broadcast offering from SuperSport.

[sturginho]

Official confirmation that all of Zebre and Treviso's games will be broadcast on Mediaset 20 in Italy:

https://www.onrugby.it/2021/09/14/unite ... diaset-20/

Good news for me as I have this channel

[robmatic]

Official confirmation that all of Zebre and Treviso's games will be broadcast on Mediaset 20 in Italy:

https://www.onrugby.it/2021/09/14/unite ... diaset-20/

Good news for me as I have this channel

How does this compare in terms of profile? Are more people likely to be watching? It's free to air, I see.

[OomStruisbaai]

Looking at the fixture list I think the local Springboks will only return in January 2022.

The first away four rounds will be done:
Round One:

Friday, September 24
Zebre v Emirates Lions | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA & SA |
Saturday, September 25
Benetton v DHL Stormers | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA & SA |
Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA |
Munster v Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |

Round Two

Friday, October 1
Connacht v Vodacom Bulls | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |
Scarlets v Emirates Lions | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |
Saturday, October 2
Glasgow Warriors v Cell C Sharks | 15:00 UK / 16:00 ITA & SA |
Munster v DHL Stormers | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |

Round Three

Friday, October 8
Ospreys v Cell C Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |
Saturday, October 9
Glasgow Warriors v Emirates Lions | 15:00 UK / 16:00 ITA & SA |
Edinburgh v DHL Stormers | 17:15 UK / 18:15 ITA & SA |
Cardiff v Vodacom Bulls | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |

Round Four:

Friday, October 15
Ulster v Lions | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |
Dragons v DHL Stormers | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |
Saturday, October 16
Cardiff v Cell C Sharks | 19:35 UK / 20:35 ITA & SA |


and a few home matches:

Round Six
Saturday, November 27
DHL Stormers v Zebre | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA / 15:00 SA |
Cell C Sharks v Scarlets | 15:30 UK / 16:30 ITA / 17:30 SA |
Vodacom Bulls v Munster | 17:45 UK / 18:45 ITA / 19:45 SA |
Sunday, November 28
Emirates Lions v Cardiff | 14:00 UK / 15:00 ITA / 16:00 SA |

Round Seven:

Friday, December 3
Vodacom Bulls v Scarlets | 17:35 UK / 18:35 ITA / 19:35 SA |
Saturday, December 4
Cell C Sharks v Zebre | 13:00 UK / 14:00 ITA / 15:00 SA |
Emirates Lions v Munster | 15:30 UK / 16:30 ITA / 17:30 SA |
DHL Stormers v Cardiff | 17:45 UK / 18:45 ITA / 19:45 SA |



So we can expect them to be back from round 10 starting January 7th.

[assfly]

So we can expect them to be back from round 10 starting January 7th.

That was always the case since the fixtures were announced.

I was hoping we'd have some home games to make up for the lack of our Boks, but we're in for a tough few opening rounds.

[FalseBayFC]

So we can expect them to be back from round 10 starting January 7th.

That was always the case since the fixtures were announced.

I was hoping we'd have some home games to make up for the lack of our Boks, but we're in for a tough few opening rounds.

The home unions have quite a busy November too and then training camps for 6 nations will start in mid-January. So Munster for eg will be short 7/8 Irish internationals plus DDA and RG Snyman.

They still have way more depth than WP and the Lions with players like Jason Jenkins and Jean Kleyn.

The Bulls should do well but have always been really shit travelers. Maybe the overseas returnees can help them in that regard with their experience. Sharks are a couple of years away from being contenders. Lions should battle but maybe spring the odd surprise. WP will struggle without their Boks.

But all of them will be better than the Kings and at least as good as the Cheetahs. On paper that is. Won't they?

[OomStruisbaai]

Our home derbies will be brutal with Springboks. The Stormers and Sharks will be much better from January to the end of the tournament.

Any win in the first 4 rounds a bonus

[Sards]

Yep I like the format. It's going to be interesting to see how the Saffer teams do in the NH. Hope they start well after non stop playing for a long time.

Can't wait for new opposition, and finally supporting other SA teams in a comp.

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

[robmatic]

I was hoping we'd have some home games to make up for the lack of our Boks, but we're in for a tough few opening rounds.

I dunno, you're bound to pick up a decent amount of points in Wales.

[OomStruisbaai]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

[fishfoodie]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

... Maybe ....., but watching Rugby November->February in Galway usually results in frostbite, as it can be a mite windy, as well as cold, as this classic Connacht rugby moment shows

[Slick]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

Greatest troll in NPR's short history there

[OomStruisbaai]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

Greatest troll in NPR's short history there

Slicky that was a genuine question. I dont do the troll.

[Sards]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

[OomStruisbaai]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

... Maybe ....., but watching Rugby November->February in Galway usually results in frostbite, as it can be a mite windy, as well as cold, as this classic Connacht rugby moment shows

Meaning till the end of round 4. October 15th

[assfly]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Wow! That's big.

[OomStruisbaai]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

... Maybe ....., but watching Rugby November->February in Galway usually results in frostbite, as it can be a mite windy, as well as cold, as this classic Connacht rugby moment shows

Suppose you are going to kak here from January to March.

[Sards]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Wow! That's big.

What a replacement for Marcel Coetzee

[OomStruisbaai]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Wow! That's big.

Pension pay. Dont differ much when playing for Bulls/Ulster while his family are in Cape Town.

[robmatic]

Will the weather be OK for running rugby?

Greatest troll in NPR's short history there

Slicky that was a genuine question. I dont do the troll.

It often won't be, and the weather really has an effect at some grounds e.g. Connacht. However, more of the teams have artificial/hybrid pitches now, so there won't be as many mudfests as there was in the not too distant past.

Successful teams can grind it out on the miserable nights and cut loose when the sun is shining.

Some of the South African players who have come to play for Edinburgh have talked about having to learn how to play in different conditions.

[handyman]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

A well earned pension.

[FalseBayFC]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

Brok Harris and Tristan Leyds

[boere wors]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Puh, thats a big loss for the Bulls.

[handyman]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

Brok Harris and Tristan Leyds

These lot made the saaks their little playthings...

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

Brok Harris and Tristan Leyds

Would prefer Senatla above Muskiet. Dunno about Harris. Hope Dobson keep the running game plan but then its the NH. Players like Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JdJ & Tim Swiel experience will be important.

[handyman]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

Brok Harris and Tristan Leyds

Would prefer Senatla above Muskiet. Dunno about Harris. Hope Dobson keep the running game plan but then its the NH. Players like Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JdJ & Tim Swiel experience will be important.

Can't wait to watch a WP game in the Cape Town stadium in the URC.

[OomStruisbaai]

Hope Rona don't spoil our rugby party. Wonder how the isolating works travelling from SA to Italy to Ireland to Scotland back to SA.

[FalseBayFC]

DHL Stormers touring squad
Forwards: Justin Basson, Dian Bleuler, Kwenzo Blose, Willie Engelbrecht, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JJ Kotze, Leon Lyons, Salmaan Moerat (co-captain), Scarra Ntubeni, Junior Pokomela, Evan Roos, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Marcel Theunissen, Ernst van Rhyn (co-captain), Andre-Hugo Venter, Nama Xaba.
Backs: Juan de Jongh, Paul de Wet, Dan du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Tristan Leyds, Manie Libbok, Godlen Masimla, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Rikus Pretorius, Tim Swiel, Stefan Ungerer, Edwill van der Merwe, Leolin Zas.

Brok Harris and Tristan Leyds

Would prefer Senatla above Muskiet. Dunno about Harris. Hope Dobson keep the running game plan but then its the NH. Players like Deon Fourie, Brok Harris, JdJ & Tim Swiel experience will be important.

Not a terrible squad. I thought Brok Harris was older but he's only 36. But to waste a salary on a 68 kg wing is insane.

Capture.PNG (103.82 KiB) Viewed 1343 times

[Sards]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Puh, thats a big loss for the Bulls.

Marcel has been outstanding in his leadership and we hardly ever saw Duane playing for the Bulls...can't see an issue really until we play against him

[Sards]

Tristan Leyds....

[assfly]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Puh, thats a big loss for the Bulls.

I bet Evan Roos is real pleased about his contract now

[OomStruisbaai]

Duane Vermeulen to join Ulster after end of year tour

Puh, thats a big loss for the Bulls.

I bet Evan Roos is real pleased about his contract now

Why?