United Rugby Championship

URC announces first-ever ‘Kids Round’

The Vodacom URC has announced a kids-themed round will take place next month as part of the league’s ambition to encourage inclusion in the sport.

VURC has fuelled rivalry between Boks and Ireland, says Smit

John Smith says the @Vodacom United Rugby Championship has created a shift north in both focus and rivalry as Irish clubs and Ireland have become the new target

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.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 30: Neethling Fouche of DHL Stormers and Steven Kitshoff of Ulster during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Ulster at DHL Stadium on March 30, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

Watch: Kitsie, Nettas the best of frenemies

Former teammates Steven Kitshoff and Neethling Fouche share a lighter moment during Saturday’s win for the DHL Stormers over Ulster in the Vodacom URC.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Huw Evans Agency/Shutterstock (14204722f) Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen during warm up Scarlets v Emirates Lions, BKT United Rugby Championship, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, Wales - 11 Nov 2023

Cash rues Lions’ impatience

The Lions paid the price for inconsistency in their loss to Ospreys on Saturday, and coach Ivan van Rooyen expects better in a crucial Challenge Cup clash next week.

Edwill van der Merwe in action for the Lions

Sloppy Lions stumble in Swansea

An error-prone performance from the Lions saw them punished by Ospreys in a resounding defeat in Wales on Saturday afternoon.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 29: Marco van Staden of Vodacom Bulls is tackled by Ross Molony of Leinster, right, during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Vodacom Bulls at RDS Arena on March 29, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Seb Daly/Gallo Images)

Bulls sweat over Bok champ

Loose forward Marco van Staden is a fitness concern for the Vodacom Bulls in the countdown to next Saturday’s Champions Cup clash against Lyon in Pretoria.

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)

Jake: We’ve got a lot to learn

Jake White said the Vodacom Bulls need more time to match the high standards set by Irish giants Leinster after they were well beaten in Dublin on Friday night.

Kitsie: It’s going to be special

Steven Kitshoff can’t wait to pack down against his former teammates when Ulster and the DHL Stormers clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.

Dublin , Ireland - 29 March 2024; Michael Milne of Leinster celebrates after scoring his side's fourth try during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Vodacom Bulls at the RDS Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Leaders Leinster lash Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls surrendered a narrow half-time lead as Leinster fought back to claim a bonus-point win in a top-of-the-table clash in Dublin on Friday night.