The sixth season of the United Rugby Championship (URC) starts this Friday, and for the four South African franchises — the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers — it is another opportunity to dominate their Irish, Italian, Scottish and Welsh counterparts.
Can South Africa look forward all four of our teams in the play-offs at the end of the 2026/27 regular season? The National thinks so.
Here, we breakdown the upcoming season for each team.
BULLS
PREVIOUSLY | 2021/22: Runners-up; 2022/23: Quarter-finals; 2023/24: Runners-up; 2024/25: Runners-up; 2025/26: Runners-up
URC STATS: P 90 | W 60 | D 0 | L 30 | F 2,888 | A 2,036 | Average PTS 61 | Average score 32-23
Coach: Johan Ackermann
Player to watch: Cameron Hanekom — He put in a handful of fantastic performances for the Springboks during the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR).
Biggest challenge: Overcoming play-off mental blocks and securing the championship
"Always the bridesmaid, never the bride" sums up the Bulls' URC history. The Pretoria-based outfit have never missed a Top 8 spot and have reached four Grand Finals, only to drop the decider every single time to the Stormers, Glasgow Warriors and Leinster twice, including a disappointing loss last season under Ackermann.
Now, entering his second season, the coach can fully imprint his identity on this squad. While still rooted in set-piece dominance, his system prioritises unleashing a lethal backline once the platform is established. Doing so without Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé — who is off to Japan — is a massive blow to their set-pieces and the engine room.
A central key to their title ambitions will be negotiating compulsory Springbok rest windows without dropping points on the road, alongside balancing their European Champions Cup load.
Prediction: Top four — They arguably remain the strongest SA franchise and the country's best bet to lift the championship.
SQUAD
TRANSFER TALK
Players IN: Mawande Mdanda, Hanro Liebenberg, Sango Xamlashe, Dylan Maart, Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams, Hakeem Kunene
Players OUT: Wilco Louw, Jannes Kirsten, Ruan Nortjé, Johan Goosen, Jan Serfontein, David Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Henry Immelman
Their Bok contingent: Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels; Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe; Cobus Wiese; Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Cameron Hanekom, Nizaam Carr; Handré Pollard, Curwin Bosch, Embrose Papier; Canan Moodie, Willie le Roux, Aphiwe Dyantyi
Forwards: Jean Erasmus, Juann Else, Jaco Grobbelaar, Mpilo Gumede, JF van Heerden, Nicolaas Jansen van Rensburg, Francois Klopper, Hanro Liebenberg, Reinhardt Ludwig, Mawande Mdanda, Khuta Mchunu, Jeandré Rudolph, Dylan Smith, Mornay Smith, Sti Sithole, Heinrich Theron, JJ Theron, Alulutho Tshakweni, Janco Uys, Ruan Vermaak, Nama Xaba
Backs: Thaakir Abrahams, Riyaad Bam, Zak Burger, Paul de Wet, Demetri Erasmus, Stedman Gans, Luan Giliomee*, Stravino Jacobs, Keagan Johannes, Cheswill Jooste, Hakeem Kunene, Neil le Roux, Katlego Letebele, Dylan Maart, Sergeal Petersen, Harold Vorster, Devon Williams, Sango Xamlashe
FIXTURES
September 2026
Saturday 26: v Zebre (A), 6.30pm
October
Saturday 3: v Munster (A), 8.45pm
Saturday 10: v Lions (H), 1.30pm
Saturday 24: v Ulster (H), 2.45pm
Saturday 31: v Scarlets (H), 5.00pm
December
Saturday 5: v Lions (A), 2.30pm
Saturday 19: v Sharks (A), 6.30pm
January
Sunday 3: v Stormers (A), 4.00pm
Saturday 23: v Benetton Rugby (A), 7.30pm
Saturday 30: v Leinster (A), 7.30pm
February
Sunday 21: v Stormers (H), 3.00pm
Saturday 27: v Sharks (H), 5.00pm
March
Saturday 20: v Dragons (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 27: v Edinburgh (H), 2.00pm
April
Saturday 17: v Ospreys (A), 6.30pm
Friday 23: v Cardiff Rugby (A), 9.05pm
May
Saturday 8: v Glasgow Warriors (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 15: v Connacht (H), 2.30pm
LIONS
Previously | 2021/22: 12th; 2022/23: 9th; 2023/24: 9th; 2024/25: 11th; 2025/26: Quarter-finals
URC stats: P 90 | W 44 | D 1 | L 45 | F 2,350 | A 2,299 | Average PTS 46 | Average score 26-26
Coach: Ivan van Rooyen
Player to watch: Siba Mahashe — It will be his first full season in the URC setup; and after his heroics in the RGR tour match against the All Blacks, is primed for a breakout season.
Biggest challenge: Defending their SA Shield title while managing dual-competition pressure
The Lions come off their strongest campaign yet, claiming the URC SA Shield title while Van Rooyen earned Coach of the Season honours.
Retaining their core nucleus gives them a cohesive squad unit. Though operating on a smaller budget than their domestic rivals, their high-tempo style is now producing Test-level talent. Their recent match against the All Blacks showcased how lethal they are when running teams ragged at high altitude — a physical weapon they will look to exploit during home URC and Champions Cup fixtures.
With fewer frontline Springboks subject to mandatory rest weeks, their continuity during the mid-season grind could be their biggest advantage in securing a back-to-back play-off berth. Nonetheless, the expected absence of Morne van den Berg, due to national duty, will test their composure. Luckily, they have Nico Steyn, Haashim Pead and Asad Moos to fill the void.
Prediction: Top eight — After reaching the quarter-finals last season, they dare not take a step back. They have new sponsors and stakeholders who have invested and will want their pound of flesh.
SQUAD
TRANSFER TALK
Players IN: Boan Venter, Hyron Andrews, JP du Preez, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Asad Moos, Boeta Chamberlain, Daniel Kasende
Players OUT: Heiko Pohlmann, Franco Marais, Ruben Schoeman, Darrien Landsberg, WJ Steenkamp, Gianni Lombard, Lubabalo Dobela, Tapiwa Mafura
Their Bok contingent: Boan Venter; Ruan Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe; Morné van den Berg; Quan Horn
Full squad: TBC
FIXTURES
September 2026
Saturday 26: v Leinster (H), 1.30pm
October 2026
Saturday 3: v Ospreys (H), 2.45pm
Saturday 10: v Bulls (A), 1.30pm
Friday 23: v Edinburgh (A), 8.45pm
Friday 30: v Glasgow Warriors (A), 9.45pm
December 2026
Saturday 5: v Bulls (H), 2.30pm
Saturday 19: v Stormers (A), 4.00pm
January 2027
Saturday 2: v Sharks (A), 5.00pm
Saturday 23: v Zebre (H), 2.45pm
Saturday 30: v Cardiff Rugby (H), 2.45pm
February 2027
Saturday 20: v Sharks (H), 2.00pm
Saturday 27: v Stormers (H), 2.30pm
March 2027
Saturday 20: v Scarlets (A), 7.30pm
Saturday 27: v Connacht (A), 4.15pm
April 2027
Saturday 17: v Munster (H), 2.45pm
Saturday 24: v Benetton Rugby (H), 2.45pm
May 2027
Friday 7: v Dragons (A), 8.45pm
Friday 14: v Ulster (A), 8.45pm
SHARKS
PREVIOUSLY | 2021/22: Quarter-finals; 2022/23: Quarter-finals; 2023/24: 14th; 2024/25: Semi-finals; 2025/26: 10th
URC STATS: P 90 | W 45 | D 3 | L 42 | F 2,212 | A 2,106 | Average PTS 48 | Average score 25-23
Coach: JP Pietersen
Player to watch: Vusi Moyo — The 20-year old made his debut for the Boks against Wales earlier this year. He has an opportunity to play himself into Rugby World Cup 2026 consideration, if given the opportunity.
Biggest challenge: Translating high-profile star power into consistent league points
The Sharks remain South Africa's most enigmatic franchise. Despite boasting a world-class roster, their league performances have often fallen short. The 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup victory showed their knock-out ceiling, but a 10th-place domestic finish last term underlined a lack of week-in, week-out operational discipline.
Head coach JP Pietersen must establish structural consistency. Bringing back Thomas du Toit provides needed scrum dominance, but managing a squad packed with Springboks will test their roster depth. Compulsory Bok rest periods will severely disrupt key spine positions, making their squad management during two-game European tours critical to staying in the top-eight race.
Prediction: Top eight — After a disastrous finish in the last season, they must finish in the Top 8, and one could argue only a semi-final berth will be acceptable.
SQUAD
TRANSFER TALK
Players IN: Nemo Roelofse, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Hendré Stassen, Darrien Landsberg, Ivan van Zyl, Gianni Lombard, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Donovan Don
Players OUT: Cebo Dlamini, Mawande Mdanda, Marvin Orie, JJ Scheepers, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Tiaan Fourie, Jean Smith, Francois Venter, Le Roux Malan, Aphelele Fassi, Hakeem Kunene
Their Bok contingent: Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Thomas du Toit; Bongi Mbonambi; Eben Etzebeth, Jason Jenkins; Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi | Ivan van Zyl, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Vusi Moyo; Lukhanyo Am, André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker; Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jaco Williams
Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Coetzee le Roux, Corne' Rahl, Darrien Landsberg, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ethan Bester, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Hendre' Stassen, Janco Purchase, Jannes Potgieter, Johan Momsen, Khuthi Rasivhaga, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Liam van Wyk, Matt Romao, Mnebelele Esethu, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Rambo Kubheka, Simphiwe Matanzima, Stephan Lewies, Thomas Dyer, Tino Mavesere.
Backs: Albie Bester, Bradley Davids, Ceano Everson, Dian Heunis, Donovan Don, Gianni Lombard, Juan Loots, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle (Lili) Bester, Luan Giliomee*, Lyle Matthews, Ma'a Nonu, Matthew Fortuin, Murray Koster, Nemo Roelefse, Phikolomzi Sobahle, Ross Braude, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siya Masuku, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Yaw Penxe, Zekhethelo Siyaya
FIXTURES
September 2026
Saturday 26: v Ospreys (H), 4.00pm
October 2026
Saturday 3: v Leinster (H), 7.30pm
Saturday 10: v Stormers (A), 5.00pm
Friday 23: v Cardiff Rugby (A), 8.45pm
Saturday 31: v Munster (A), 7.30pm
December 2026
Saturday 5: v Stormers (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 19: v Bulls (H), 6.30pm
January 2027
Saturday 2: v Lions (H), 5.00pm
Friday 22: v Ulster (A), 9.45pm
Saturday 30: v Benetton Rugby (A), 9.45pm
February 2027
Saturday 20: v Lions (A), 2.00pm
Saturday 27: v Bulls (A), 5.00pm
March 2027
Friday 19: v Edinburgh (H), 7.00pm
Saturday 27: v Dragons (H), 6.30pm
April 2027
Friday 16: v Zebre (A), 7.30pm
Saturday 24: v Scarlets (A), 4.00pm
May 2027
Saturday 8: v Connacht (H), 2.30pm
Saturday 15: v Glasgow Warriors (H), 5.00pm
STORMERS
PREVIOUSLY | 2021/22: Champions; 2022/23: Runners-up; 2023/24: Quarter-finals; 2024/25: Quarter-finals; 2025/26: Semi-finals
URC STATS: P 90 | W 59 | D 2 | L 29 | F 2,474 | A 1,812 | Average PTS 61 | Average score 27-20
Coach: John Dobson
Player to watch: Siya Kolisi — The Bok captain returns to the Cape for a second stint. With the defence the Rugby World Cup 2027 in sight, many South Africans will hope it is a healthy return.
Biggest challenge: Channeling individual X-factor into consistent weekly execution
The Stormers remain one of the most explosive sides in the competition, though their performance levels can swing wildly. Last season's Top 4 finish was secured through individual brilliance during tight games, despite periods of disjointed form.
John Dobson enters the season with a heavily bolstered squad. The marquee returns of Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe, coupled with acquiring tighthead Wilco Louw from the Bulls, give them a championship-caliber roster on paper. If they can maintain tactical focus during winter away fixtures and navigate the Champions Cup overlap, their high-tempo counter-attacking game makes them legitimate title contenders.
Prediction: Top four — The former champions have all the talent to make final but will need to manage their X-factor and the egos that come with that.
SQUAD
TRANSFER TALK
Players IN: Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi, Joshua Boulle, Cheslin Kolbe
Players OUT: Corné Weilbach, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Ruben van Heerden, Salmaan Moerat, Alex Groves, Dewaldt Duvenage, Asad Moos, Dan du Plessis, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Dylan Maart
Their Bok contingent: Frans Malherbe, Wilco Louw, Neethling Fouché, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen; André-Hugo Venter, Joseph Dweba; Salmaan Moerat, JD Schickerling; Siya Kolisi, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, Paul de Villiers; Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse; Cheslin Kolbe, Warrick Gelant
Forwards: Adré Smith, Connor Evans, Divan Fuller, Gary Porter, Hacjivah Dayimani, Hencus van Wyk, Herman Lubbe, JJ Kotzé, JD Schickerling, Keke Morabe, Louw Nel, Luca Bakkes, Lukhanyo Vokozela, Marcel Theunissen, Oli Kebble, Olly Reid, Riley Norton, Ruan Ackermann, Sazi Sandi, Vernon Matongo, Vernon Paulo, Wandile Mlaba,
Backs: Ezekiel Ngobeni, Gino Cupido, Imad Khan, JC Mars, Jayden Brits, Joel Leotlela, Jonathan Roche, Josh Boulle, Jurie Matthee, Kyle Smith, Leolin Zas, Markus Muller, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Ruhan Nel, Seabelo Senatla, Stefan Ungerer, Wandisile Simelane, Yaqeen Ahmed
FIXTURES
September 2026
Friday 25: v Connacht (A), 8.45pm
October 2026
Friday 2: v Edinburgh (A), 8.45pm
Saturday 10: v Sharks (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 24: v Scarlets (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 31: v Ulster (H), 2.45pm
December 2026
Saturday 5: v Sharks (A), 5.00pm
Saturday 19: v Lions (H), 4.00pm
January 2027
Sunday 3: v Bulls (H), 4.00pm
Saturday 23: v Cardiff Rugby (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 30: v Zebre (H), 5.00pm
February 2027
Sunday 21: v Bulls (A), 3.00pm
Saturday 27: v Lions (A), 2.30pm
March 2027
Friday 19: v Glasgow Warriors (A), 9.45pm
Saturday 27: v Ospreys (A), 9.45pm
April 2027
Saturday 17: v Benetton Rugby (H), 5.00pm
Saturday 24: v Munster (H), 7.05pm
May 2027
Saturday 8: v Leinster (A), 8.45pm
Saturday 15: v Dragons (A), 6.30pm