United Rugby Championship

Underdogs Ospreys target Bulls scalp

Wales’ Vodacom URC outfit Ospreys earned respect in the Republic by beating the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Stormers wary of Nienaber factor

Jacques Nienaber played a key role during his stint at the DHL Stormers, and defence guru Norman Laker has acknowledged Leinster’s improvement under his mentor.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 23: Phepsi Buthelezi of Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on March 23, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Phepsi: Sharks haven’t won any cups yet

Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi has insisted that beating Scarlets on Friday night is just as important as next week’s historic Challenge Cup clash in London.

Lions’ Bomb Squad target URC champs

Assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys says the front-row powerhouses at the Lions have been inspired by the Springboks in the buildup to a blockbuster clash against Munster.

Dublin , Ireland - 29 March 2024; Vodacom Bulls head coach Jake White, left, and Leinster head coach Leo Cullen before the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Vodacom Bulls at the RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Irish boss shares ‘hard lesson’ with SA rivals

Leo Cullen said there is no “secret recipe” to competing in multiple competitions simultaneously, as the likes of the Vodacom Bulls grapple with the demands of the EPCR.

Marius Louw and Emmanuel Tshituka for the Lions

State of the URC: Lethal Lions save SA’s blushes

The Lions were the only SA team to win in round 14, and the DHL Stormers and Bulls will be determined to bounce back this week as the race to a home playoff heats up.

Emmanuel Tshituka in action for the Lions

Lions: We showed the Irish how to fight

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen hailed the character of the Lions in Saturday’s mauling of Leinster, while skipper Marius Louw savoured the rewards of a plan to create tries from turnovers. @Vodacom #URC

Gauteng , South Africa - 20 April 2024; Munster players celebrate beating Vodacom Bulls 22-27 during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Munster at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo By Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Jake: We missed our leaders

Jake White applauded the fight but rued the lack of composure from a 14-man @Vodacom Bulls side in Saturday’s defeat to an experienced Munster outfit at Loftus Versfeld. #URC

Gauteng , South Africa - 20 April 2024; RG Snyman of Munster in action during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Munster at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo By Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Goosen sees red as Munster edge Bulls

Vodacom Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen was sent off in the second half of a thrilling bonus-point win for URC champions Munster in Pretoria on Saturday evening.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 20: Edwill van der Merwe of the Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Leinster at Emirates Airline Park on April 20, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Six-try Lions maul leaders Leinster

Emmanuel Tshituka scored a brace of tries as the Lions’ playoff hopes received a boost with a resounding win against Leinster in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.