Official United Rugby Championship thread

[OomStruisbaai]

This.

And the fucking Aussies.

It was almost always the Aussies, it fell apart when the NZRU got a new admin with a similar attitude towards us as ARU admins usually do. Some Aussie fans seemed to genuinely believe SA Super Rugby teams were the reason rugby wasn't popular in Australia, there was never anything like that from Kiwis.

URC has done better than I expected. Comparing it to Super Rugby depends on which iteration/season, I would say what we've seen so far is at least comparable to the Super Rugby average. An immediate improvement would be to reduce/stop scheduling clashes when SA teams are playing. The whole competition would improve if the Welsh sides were stronger, but that is described as an unsolvable riddle.

I love the URC. Soup was dead after they move on from S12. The Heineken Cup is also a great add on from URC.

and I like our rivalry with the Irish. The URC can only grow from here. SA Rugby need to get the CC in the right date. This year is better the last year.
If we can get two more teams in URC it will be perfect

[Sards]

So glad the Stormers supporters have moved on from the travel....still a bit of ref bitching going on , but the biggest moan has been the pitch. Apparently the Stormers played on a different pitch to Munster

Some teams solve the travel problem by not qualifying for the knockout rounds.

You mean the Lions.....because the Sharks and Bulls did
.....or am I missing something

[assfly]

The Heineken Cup is also a great add on from URC.

And the Challenge Cup. I'm super-excited about playing in that next season, such a prestigious competition

[Sards]

Has anyone else watched the rugby the Kiwis and Aussies are playing........

A bit of an eye opener

[Sards]

The Heineken Cup is also a great add on from URC.

And the Challenge Cup. I'm super-excited about playing in that next season, such a prestigious competition

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

[assfly]

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

To be honest I'm actually ok with it. After watching the Leinster LAR match, we are so far away from getting to that level we may at least have a better of chance of getting somewhere in the Challenge Cup.

[Sards]

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

To be honest I'm actually ok with it. After watching the Leinster LAR match, we are so far away from getting to that level we may at least have a better of chance of getting somewhere in the Challenge Cup.

Let's grow our grassroots. Build depth. We are leading the CC . Won the u20s league. Depth is crucial to play in the big tournaments.

[average joe]

Ask Plumtree what he thinks of super rugby in its current format.

Us moving to Europe was probably the best thing that we could have done for our rugby ever. Not only is the time zones and travel better, but you also get to play more games against quality opposition. Most of the best players in the world play in Europe. Their teams also play more to our style.

[LoveOfTheGame]

The Heineken Cup is also a great add on from URC.

And the Challenge Cup. I'm super-excited about playing in that next season, such a prestigious competition

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

[KingBlairhorn]

Really interesting, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't expected such overwhelmingly positive views; I think the media narrative/landscape here is often overly influenced by negative voices. At the moment that's a mix of the Welsh (who are understandably unhappy how far and rapidly their star has fallen) and then potshots from the English media (looking at you in particular Stephen Jones*). It sometimes feels like the competition is widely unloved and poor quality compared to its brethren in France, England and the Southern Hemisphere.

*I know he is Welsh

[PCPhil]

This Stephen Jones chap. Bit of a consistent through the years expert is he?

[Simian]

Really interesting, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't expected such overwhelmingly positive views; I think the media narrative/landscape here is often overly influenced by negative voices. At the moment that's a mix of the Welsh (who are understandably unhappy how far and rapidly their star has fallen) and then potshots from the English media (looking at you in particular Stephen Jones*). It sometimes feels like the competition is widely unloved and poor quality compared to its brethren in France, England and the Southern Hemisphere.

*I know he is Welsh

I really miss having a competition structure where each team played every other team home and away.

[Fingal raving]

Really interesting, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't expected such overwhelmingly positive views; I think the media narrative/landscape here is often overly influenced by negative voices. At the moment that's a mix of the Welsh (who are understandably unhappy how far and rapidly their star has fallen) and then potshots from the English media (looking at you in particular Stephen Jones*). It sometimes feels like the competition is widely unloved and poor quality compared to its brethren in France, England and the Southern Hemisphere.

*I know he is Welsh

It's often ignored by the UK media imo unless they need a moan about Welsh infighting or Leinster financial doping. Welsh, NI and Scottish media cover the URC but so called UK media often ignore the league or dump it into any other business at the end of a weekend roundup article. Take the Guardian, zero coverage of URC games. Judging by comments on 6 nations articles they have a healthy base of Irish, Welsh and Scottish subscribers yet they ignore the league until Champions Cup weekends.

[fishfoodie]

Really interesting, thanks for all the replies. I hadn't expected such overwhelmingly positive views; I think the media narrative/landscape here is often overly influenced by negative voices. At the moment that's a mix of the Welsh (who are understandably unhappy how far and rapidly their star has fallen) and then potshots from the English media (looking at you in particular Stephen Jones*). It sometimes feels like the competition is widely unloved and poor quality compared to its brethren in France, England and the Southern Hemisphere.

*I know he is Welsh

It's often ignored by the UK media imo unless they need a moan about Welsh infighting or Leinster financial doping. Welsh, NI and Scottish media cover the URC but so called UK media often ignore the league or dump it into any other business at the end of a weekend roundup article. Take the Guardian, zero coverage of URC games. Judging by comments on 6 nations articles they have a healthy base of Irish, Welsh and Scottish subscribers yet they ignore the league until Champions Cup weekends.

It doesn't help that it's primary broadcaster is a bit of a niche operation !

It's good that it's available on FTA TV in most Countries, I wonder when Alba will start to cover games ?

I too miss having a full set of Home & Away games, but it isn't possible with so many teams. I wonder with the sorry state of the Welsh, & the Italians only really having the players for one decent team, if a lower division with promotion & relegation isn't on the horizon ?

It would enable a 3rd Scottish side, & some consolidation of players in the Welsh sides to have at least one competitive side, & add in a couple more sides from SA, & A.N. Other* and it gives teams a place to develop players, on a lower budget, but with the dream of either being spotted by a higher division team, or getting promoted.

* Spain, Romanian, Kenya, Namibia ?

[Chilli]

Apologies if this has been done before but I haven’t seen it. We are now two seasons in to having SA teams in the URC and I’m interested to hear how it is being perceived by SA fans and media? What is the general perception on league strengths and weaknesses, how have the fans and media taken to it, are there views on how the competition should develop in future etc.? Generally are you happy you made the move or do you regret it?

I love it. I miss playing the Kiwi teams, but overall it's a much better product at better timezones.

This. I have watched a few of the Aus, Kiwi etc games and I have to say it's great rugby

Some if it is pretty crappy and of a lesser standard than .ost URC games. Some if it is good.

How many have been any better than the URC semi finals and finals?

[Sards]

Ask Plumtree what he thinks of super rugby in its current format.

Us moving to Europe was probably the best thing that we could have done for our rugby ever. Not only is the time zones and travel better, but you also get to play more games against quality opposition. Most of the best players in the world play in Europe. Their teams also play more to our style.

I don't know. Ok I confess to watching the highlights. Got to have some time for the family. And it's some really impressive running rugby. And skills. I just hope our coaches are looking at the SH sides and not just focusing on NH teams.

[OomStruisbaai]

Soup rugby is down. Can't get myself to watch a full game. I'll rather watch Munster vs Leinster then Crusaders vs Chiefs.

[freddie]

And the break, and the cross field kick for the try, and his defence and all the crisp passing. I think you need to mark him down for the yellow but other than that, he was excellent.

Not looking for a shitfight, just didn't think he was good enough to deserve the slightly over the top rave reviews. I also had the kids in my ear all game so may have missed some bits!

Sorry, my post was meant to be more a what have the Romans done for us thing than the start of a shitfight. I think if you looked through the game again you'd revise your statement. Probably not 9/10 but definitely 8.

He also cleared a couple of rucks! Thought he was great (though Munster were really on top, don't think he got put under too much pressure)

[OomStruisbaai]

The Heineken Cup is also a great add on from URC.

And the Challenge Cup. I'm super-excited about playing in that next season, such a prestigious competition

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

The great thing about Dobson is that he want to bring x WP players like JD Edwill vd Merwe and Gelant back.

I am glad we play in the Heineken Cup. That's where you measure yourself.

[Sards]

And the Challenge Cup. I'm super-excited about playing in that next season, such a prestigious competition

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

The great thing about Dobson is that he want to bring x WP players like JD Edwill vd Merwe and Gelant back.

I am glad we play in the Heineken Cup. That's where you measure yourself.

Dobson hasn't had much luck luring players back. Gelant would be great. He is sorely needed. 15 is a huge issue for Dobson

[LoveOfTheGame]

Might just be the tonic.
Bulls and Stormers need to find 2 teams.......2 top class teams. And with the quality departing it's not going to be easy

The great thing about Dobson is that he want to bring x WP players like JD Edwill vd Merwe and Gelant back.

I am glad we play in the Heineken Cup. That's where you measure yourself.

Dobson hasn't had much luck luring players back. Gelant would be great. He is sorely needed. 15 is a huge issue for Dobson

I thought Willie also signed for WP?

[Sards]

Have the Stormers vokked up Munster yet....asking for my mate Joseph

[Sards]

I thought Willie also signed for WP?

Nothing yet.

[OomStruisbaai]

[Sards]

Please sort out this excuse

[GrahamWa]

Story in the Belfast Telegraph

The organisers of the United Rugby Championship are making a number of changes to the format for next season with all teams set to finish their campaign with a derby match.

And further efforts are being made to accommodate the four South African teams with each of them making just two trips north next season.

All four — the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Sharks — will spend more than a month in the northern hemisphere around November where each of them will play four matches.

Each of them will then return north again in the latter half of the season for two-match tours.

As in previous years, the 12 teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy will each make one trip to South Africa where they will play two matches.

The biggest proposed change for next season will be the staging of derby matches for the final round of games when the 18th round will feature each team playing one of their neighbours.

At the moment it’s believed that the final round of fixtures between the four Irish provinces are waiting to be finalised but this is expected to be done soon.

These closing weekend fixtures are then likely to be reversed for the following season if the derby showdowns in the final round are deemed successful.

The four Welsh sides will go into battle in what could turn out to be a double-header at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, while in South Africa, there will also be two derby clashes as the organisers of the URC bid to instil local rivalry into the final round of games in a bid to further enhance the business end of the competition.

The two Scottish and two Italian sides may end up playing each other on the final day as they are due to play home and away derbies against their neighbours over the Christmas period.

An effort is being made to provide some degree of regularity to the South African sides. They will return home from their four-match northern hemisphere tour for a couple of Christmas derbies but will then go into close season until mid-February while the northern hemisphere teams are playing off two rounds of European games and the opening two rounds of the Six Nations.

But while there is a big effort to integrate the South African teams and provide some level of consistency to the season, anomalies still exist and the consequence of them coming north for four-match tours early in the season leave some of them with a lengthy run of home games at the business end of the campaign.

The Bulls are currently set to play their last five games at home next season, while the Lions will be at home for four of their last five games, only facing a short 60km trip from Johannesburg to Pretoria to take on the Bulls in the 18th round, but these proposed fixtures could be changed to ensure a better mix of home and away games.

[fishfoodie]

I think the SA teams having mini tours was always a sensible approach. They can setup base somewhere for a month & keep the travel between fixtures down to a minimum.Ditto on having two NH sides going down to SA at the same time, & hopefully saving on costs & travel miles.

I think we need to change the Irish & Welsh derby rounds though, because its massively unfair to the likes of Connacht, versus the likes of Scarlets, with Connacht getting to play against three teams that usually expect to end up in the playoffs, versus whoever is the strongest Welsh side, who gets to play against teams trying not to get relegated.

There needs to be seeding taken into consideration when working out the fixtures, or we'll end up with an abomination like the RWC pools.

[OomStruisbaai]

Yep the derby double rounds is an overkill. Single round will be perfect.

[OomStruisbaai]

Impressive rugby from SA non URC teams in the CC premier division. Even the Griffons put in some great performances. Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas definitely on the same if not on a better level then the Lions.

Interesting to see the amount of Wales players leaving their franchises.

https://all.rugby/transfers/urc


and Embra?

[GrahamWa]

Fixtures out on Tuesday.

[OomStruisbaai]

The URC have done our game the wealth of good.

[OomStruisbaai]

Top 10 Most Watched Matches in Regular Season

DHL Stormers v Munster 688,903
Connacht v Cell C Sharks 584,765
Ulster v DHL Stormers 543,964
Emirates Lions v Leinster 503,228
Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers 501,618
Ulster v Vodacom Bulls 495,527
Cell C Sharks v Ospreys 493,776
DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls 490,829
Leinster v Munster 456,559
Vodacom Bulls v Cardiff 448,654

[OomStruisbaai]

2023/24 United Rugby Championship Fixtures


R1 – Saturday, October 21

Zebre Parma v Ulster | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Ospreys | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | TG4, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Emirates Lions v DHL Stormers | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Edinburgh | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Benetton | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v Cell C Sharks | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, October 22

Vodacom Bulls v Scarlets | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, BBC Wales, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Leinster | 16.00 IRE & UK / 17.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, RTÉ, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R2 – Saturday, October 28

Ospreys v Zebre Parma | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Glasgow Warriors | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Scarlets | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Leinster v Cell C Sharks | 16.55 IRE & UK / 17.55 ITA & SA | RTÉ, SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, October 29

Benetton v Munster | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | ITA, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby | 14.30 IRE & UK / 15.30 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Vodacom Bulls | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R3 – Friday, November 3

Glasgow Warriors v DHL Stormers | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Cell C Sharks | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 4

Zebre Parma v Vodacom Bulls | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Edinburgh | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Cardiff Rugby | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v Dragons RFC | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | RTÉ, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Ulster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, November 5

Benetton v Emirates Lions | 13.30 IRE & UK / 14.30 ITA / 15.30 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R4 – Friday, November 10

Zebre Parma v Cell C Sharks | 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Vodacom Bulls | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Munster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC NI, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 11

Benetton v DHL Stormers | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Emirates Lions | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Connacht | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, November 12

Dragons RFC v Leinster | 13.15 IRE & UK / 14.15 ITA / 15.15 SA | S4C, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R5 – Friday, November 17

Edinburgh v Vodacom Bulls | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Emirates Lions | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Zebre Parma v Cardiff Rugby | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | ITA, BBC Wales, Viaplay Xtra, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 18

Cell C Sharks v Connacht | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Ospreys | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v DHL Stormers | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Scarlets | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Benetton | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R6 – Friday, November 24

Cardiff Rugby v DHL Stormers | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Benetton | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 25

Emirates Lions v Zebre Parma | 12.55 IRE & UK / 13.55 ITA / 14.55 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Vodacom Bulls v Connacht | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Dragons RFC | 17.05 IRE & UK / 18.05 ITA / 19.05 SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Leinster v Munster | 18.30 IRE & UK / 19.30 ITA / 20.30 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Ulster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, November 26

Ospreys v Scarlets | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R7 – Friday, December 1

Munster v Glasgow Warriors | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, December 2

Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Scarlets | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Emirates Lions v Dragons RFC | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | SuperSport, BBC Wales, Viaplay, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Zebre Parma | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Ulster v Edinburgh | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Leinster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Benetton v Ospreys | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | ITA, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R8 – Friday, December 22

Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Connacht | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, December 23

Zebre Parma v Benetton | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA / 19.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports



Tuesday, December 26

Cardiff Rugby v Dragons RFC | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Ospreys | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v Leinster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, January 6

Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports



R9 – Saturday, December 30

Benetton v Zebre Parma | 13.30 IRE & UK / 14.30 ITA / 15.30 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Cell C Sharks | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA / 19.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports



Monday, January 1

Ospreys v Cardiff Rugby | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Scarlets | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | S4C, Viaplay SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Ulster | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Connacht v Munster | TBC | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, January 27

Vodacom Bulls v Emirates Lions | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports



R10 – Friday, February 16

Scarlets v Munster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Zebre Parma v Edinburgh | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, February 17

Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Leinster v Benetton | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Connacht | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | S4C, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Dragons RFC | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Sunday, February 18

Ospreys v Ulster | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R11 – Friday, March 1

Edinburgh v Ospreys | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, BBC Wales, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v Zebre Parma | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sport

Saturday, March 2

Emirates Lions v Cell C Sharks | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Benetton v Glasgow Warriors | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Vodacom Bulls v DHL Stormers | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Connacht v Scarlets | 17.05 IRE & UK / 18.05 ITA / 19.05 SA | TG4, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Leinster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | S4C, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Dragons RFC | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R12 – Friday, March 22

Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Munster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, March 23

Cell C Sharks v Ulster | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Benetton | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Edinburgh | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Connacht v Emirates Lions | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Zebre Parma v Leinster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | ITA, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Vodacom Bulls 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R13 – Friday, March 29

Dragons RFC v Zebre Parma | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Vodacom Bulls | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, March 30

Benetton v Connacht | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | ITA, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Edinburgh | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Emirates Lions | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Ulster | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Munster v Cardiff Rugby | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | RTÉ, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Glasgow Warriors | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R14 – Friday, April 19

Ulster v Cardiff Rugby | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | BBC NI, BBC Wales, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Cell C Sharks | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, April 20

Emirates Lions v Leinster | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Benetton v Dragons RFC | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | ITA, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Vodacom Bulls v Munster | 16.05 IRE & UK / 17.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Ospreys | 18.15 IRE & UK / 19.15 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Connacht v Zebre Parma | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Scarlets | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R15 – Friday, April 26

Scarlets v Cell C Sharks | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Benetton | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | BBC NI, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, April 27

Zebre Parma v Glasgow Warriors | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Vodacom Bulls v Ospreys | 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Edinburgh | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Emirates Lions v Munster | 16.00 IRE & UK / 17.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, TG4, Viaplay, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Leinster | 18.05 IRE & UK / 19.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, TG4, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Connacht | 20.00 IRE & UK / 21.00 ITA & SA | S4C, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R16 – Friday, May 10

Dragons RFC v DHL Stormers | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Zebre Parma | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, May 11

Vodacom Bulls v Glasgow Warriors | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Benetton | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Ulster | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Emirates Lions v Cardiff Rugby | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Munster v Connacht | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Ospreys | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | TG4, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R17 – Friday, May 17

Zebre Parma v Scarlets | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | ITA, BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Munster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, May 18

Vodacom Bulls v Benetton | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Dragons RFC | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Emirates Lions v Glasgow Warriors | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Connacht v DHL Stormers | 17.05 IRE & UK / 18.05 ITA & SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Cardiff Rugby | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Ulster v Leinster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R18 - Friday, May 31

Glasgow Warriors v Zebre Parma | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Connacht | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA | RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Saturday, June 1

Benetton v Edinburgh | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

DHL Stormers v Emirates Lions | 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Dragons RFC | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Bulls | 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Ospreys | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v Ulster | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Quarter-Finals – Friday, June 7

TBC

Qaurer-Finals - Saturday, June 8

TBC

Semi-Final – Saturday, June 15

TBC

Grand Final – Saturday, June 22

TBC

In a new approach aimed at reducing long-haul travel across the league, the South African teams will tour twice rather than three times. This means a four-match tour to Europe in the early part of the season followed by a two-game tour after the Six Nations (a balance of two three-game tours will be implemented if future calendars allow for it).

Additionally, the earlier generation of fixtures will assist all teams in their cross-hemisphere travel with improved access to different seat classes and cost efficiencies related to bookings made further in advance.

The opening weekends of the URC will see games played across Saturday and Sunday afternoons to avoid clashes with Rugby World Cup fixtures on Friday and Saturday nights.

With no November Test series break, URC teams will take on a schedule of 11 consecutive weekends of rugby (including EPCR) so January will also provide two relief weekends for teams to take a break in play and to accommodate traditional festive fixturing on December 26 (Tuesday) in Wales and Ireland.

[Tichtheid]

R2 – Saturday, October 28

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Same day as the World Cup final - Edinburgh will be missing lots of players

[LoveOfTheGame]

R2 – Saturday, October 28

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Same day as the World Cup final - Edinburgh will be missing lots of players

[assfly]

Sharks have Munster and Leinster first up.

Tough way to start, but at least they'll be without their starts.

The draw is much kinder to the SA teams.

[OomStruisbaai]

Not sure when the SA teams will use their Springboks. To go on tour without them will be even more difficult.

[Sandstorm]

R2 – Saturday, October 28

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Same day as the World Cup final - Edinburgh will be missing lots of players

That's atomic stupid! Play on Friday or Sunday FFS.

[CM11]

R2 – Saturday, October 28

Edinburgh v Emirates Lions | 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Same day as the World Cup final - Edinburgh will be missing lots of players

That's atomic stupid! Play on Friday or Sunday FFS.

Still unlikely to be allowed access to their players!

What time is WC final? If the timings are right you could entice people to come early/stay late and watch the game at the stadium?

[Sards]

Sharks have Munster and Leinster first up.

Tough way to start, but at least they'll be without their starts.

The draw is much kinder to the SA teams.

Gees.....I think we got the worst draw of the lot. That is an insane start. What the actual vok