OPINION: All set for another crack at URC glory
The Stormers won the inaugural season, while the Bulls have played in four finals without success.
The rugby merry-go-round continues with the commencement of the United Rugby Championship, or URC, this season. It appears as if just a moment ago the previous season concluded. Since then, fans have been treated to the thrill of South Africa's Springboks triumphing in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand's All Blacks. Despite their latest victory, the Springboks are not resting on their laurels.
They face the Wallabies in Perth next Sunday, and will later compete in the November Tests in Europe during the Nations Championship, against Italy, France, and Ireland.
The 2026/27 URC season promises to be a challenging and exciting one, with many teams managing the dual commitments of participating in both the URC and a knockout cup competition. The four South African teams – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers – have unveiled their squads for the new season. Some of these squads boast over 60 players, but it's not just about numbers.
A team must also contend with player come and goings, injuries, and the need to rest players. Additionally, they must balance their URC commitments with another cup competition.
The last time a South African team clinched the URC title was in the inaugural 2021/22 season, when the Stormers defeated the Bulls in a Cape Town final. They narrowly missed out the following year, losing to Munster. The Bulls have reached four finals but have not tasted victory. Will it be the same teams trying to secure the title again, or could the Lions or Sharks, or perhaps another team, rise to the occasion over the coming months?
All in all, the new season of the URC is bound to deliver plenty of excitement. The SA local derbies are expected to be particularly thrilling. Get ready for the ride!
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
