European Challenge Cup

Sharks eager for second bite at Edinburgh

Sharks head coach John Plumtree is champing at the bit for the return of Edinburgh to Durban, where the teams lock horns in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

Galway , Ireland - 23 March 2024; Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen before the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Emirates Lions at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Sloppy Lions lick their wounds

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen and skipper Jaco Visagie said the Lions have plenty to work on tactically back in the Republic after their Challenge Cup exit on Saturday.

Euro cups: Bulls to tackle Saints, Sharks host Scots

The Vodacom Bulls travel to England while the Sharks prepare for another blockbuster playoff at Kings Park in the quarter-finals of European cup competition this week.

PERPIGNAN, FRANCE - DECEMBER 10: Jordan Hendrikse, Rabz Maxwane and Erich Cronje of Emirates Lions during the EPCR Challenge Cup match between USA Perpignan and Emirates Lions at Stade Aime Giral on December 10, 2023 in Perpignan, France. (Photo by Valentine Chapuis/Gallo Images)

Benetton pump brakes on Lions’ cup journey

The Lions failed to make it back-to-back appearances in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals after going down to Benetton in Treviso on Saturday night.

Brave Cheetahs fall in France

Three-time Challenge Cup winners Clermont held off a Cheetahs fightback in a round of 16 clash at the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday.

Lions team players, Ruan Delport of the Emirates Lions (c) during the United Rugby Championships 2023 match between Lions v Dragons at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on 2 December 2023 ©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix

Late change for Lions in crucial clash

The Lions have announced a tweak to their starting lineup for the Challenge Cup playoff against Benetton on Saturday.

Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha, Juan Smith, Danie Rossouw and Joe van Niekerk at Toulon

SA fans should be queuing for Euro clashes

South Africans have a legacy of excelling in the EPCR, which must be leveraged to increase support for local teams when they play at home, writes MARK KEOHANE.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 21: Willem Alberts of the Lions with the ball during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers at Emirates Airline Park on October 21, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Lions to take a bite out of Benetton

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys has emphasised building fresh momentum in Italy on Saturday, as veteran forward Willem Alberts looks to sign off with a flourish.

Stormers players celebrate a late try scored by Andre-Hugo Venter of the Stormers during Investec Champions Cup 2023/24 game between the Stormers and La Rochelle at Cape Town Stadium on 16 December 2023

State of the Euro cups: Stormers locked on La Rochelle

The DHL Stormers renew hostilities with La Rochelle as John Dobson’s charges brace for a titanic showdown in Cape Town against the Champions Cup title-holders on Saturday.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 25:Coenie Oosthuizen of the Hollywoodbets Sharks with Eben Etzebeth of the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emile van Heerden of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Dragons at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on November 25, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Sharks star in doubt for Euro cup duel

Head coach John Plumtree is sweating over the availability of lock Eben Etzebeth for the clash between the Sharks and Zebre Parma in Durban next Sunday.