United Rugby Championship

European Rugby Challenge Cup Semi-Final, Twickenham Stoop, London 4/5/2024 Hollywoodbets Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne Siya Masuku of the Hollywoodbets Sharks kicks a penalty Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/SteveHaagSports/Steve Haag

Masuku magic steering Sharks home

Out of the race for a Vodacom URC top-eight finish, the Sharks have put their faith in the inspirational Siya Masuku to rebuild their home ground into a fortress.

Mack Hansen and Connacht celebrate victory against Ulster in Belfast

Return of the Mack vs Stormers?

Connacht are hoping that injured Ireland winger Mack Hansen will be back for the Irish outfit’s home clash against the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom URC next week.

BKT United Rugby Championship, Kingspan Stadium, Belfast 19/4/2024 Ulster vs Cardiff Rugby Cardiff’s Tinus de Beer kicks a penalty Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Saffa playmaker grew up idolising Wilko

To coincide with “Kids Round” in the Vodacom URC, Cardiff Rugby flyhalf Tinus de Beer has been talking about his sporting hero when he was growing up.

Bank of Ireland Preseason Friendly, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan 7/10/2023 Ulster vs Glasgow Warriors Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith during the warm-up Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

URC top-four showdown a battle of wits

Jake White versus Franco Smith is a battle of two outstanding rugby minds, both with international coaching experience and both leading the charge into this season’s Vodacom URC playoffs.

Stormers flashback: Newport night to remember

Two tries by Leolin Zas steered the DHL Stormers to their first-ever win in the Vodacom URC during the 2021-22 campaign as they beat the Dragons 24-10 in Newport.

EXETER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Jannes Kirsten of Exeter Chiefs looks on ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park on March 11, 2023 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Bulls bruiser relishing his homecoming

Jannes Kirsten is delighted to be back at Loftus Versfeld, as the utility forward focuses on making a big impact for the Vodacom Bulls at the business end of the season.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 27: Lions Players during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Munster at Emirates Airline Park on April 27, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Lions coach: Our top-eight dream is still alive

Assistant coach Barend Pieterse said the Lions haven’t given up on qualifying for the Vodacom URC playoffs for the first time, but must be more clinical against Cardiff on Saturday.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 06: John Dobson during the DHL Western Province training session at High Performance Centre on June 06, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Watch: Stormers pumped under ‘pressure’

Director of rugby John Dobson and veteran prop Frans Malherbe unpack the talk in the camp as the DHL Stormers hunt for a playoff spot with three rounds left in the Vodacom URC.

State of the URC: Bulls, Stormers lead SA charge

After a historic European cup win for the Sharks, the SA teams are back to sprint for the Vodacom URC playoffs.

OHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 21: Richard Kriel 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 licking their lips for derby duel

Ivan van Rooyen said the Lions will return from a week’s break fired up in the race to the Vodacom URC playoffs, with one eye on a potential do-or-die clash at the DHL Stormers.