The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season is set to explode into action this Friday, with the defending champions Leinster launching their campaign against the Stormers in Cape Town. The opening weekend will see eight matches played, with three on Friday and five on Saturday, featuring teams from across Europe and South Africa.
Friday's fixtures are headlined by Leinster's visit to the Stormers at DHL Stadium, where Sam Prendergast is set to dazzle at fly-half for the Irish side. The Stormers have lined up Wandisile Simelane at fullback in a strong starting XV. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors and the Sharks are gearing up for a clash at Scotstoun Stadium, promising another fierce contest.
On Saturday, the action intensifies as the Bulls host Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. While the complete line-up for Ospreys remains unannounced, the Bulls are not holding back with a robust team featuring Marcell Coetzee as captain.
Each game is not just a display of rugby prowess but also a logistical ballet, managed meticulously by a team of officials. The Stormers versus Leinster game, for instance, will be officiated by Gianluca Gnecchi, marking his 42nd league game, with assistance from Sean Muller and Stephan Geldenhuys and TMO duties handled by Adam Jones.
"The excitement that the URC brings each season is unmatched, and kicking off against the defending champions is the perfect start," said Stormers coach ahead of the game.
Broadcasting of the matches will be available across various platforms, ensuring fans do not miss a moment. SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby, and URC.tv are set to cover the events live, providing comprehensive access to the thrilling encounters.
The weekend's line-up promises a rugby feast, with each team poised to make an impactful start to the season. Here are the detailed team lists for the highlighted games:
Stormers v Leinster at DHL Stadium, Cape Town:
Stormers: 15 Wandisile Simelane, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Leinster: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Ciarán Frawley, 11 Jordan Larmour, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath (c), 8 James Culhane, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Brian Deeny, 4 Diarmuid Mangan, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Gus McCarthy, 1 Jack Boyle.
Bulls v Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria