United Rugby Championship News
Read the latest United Rugby Championship news right here at RugbyPass. From articles and interviews to analysis and reports, our rugby gurus follow every breaking story and regularly update this hub to keep you in the know. Browse below to find all of the latest United Rugby Championship news coverage.
Premiership heavyweights go toe-to-toe
Saracens come out on top in slugfest over Sale, the Samoans put on a sad show at Twickenham and the URC flies in to Covid chaos
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Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
29 Nov 2021, 4:07
'What answer do you want? Okay, yeah, it's the biggest. There you go'
While most of the attention in the United Rugby Championship this weekend was on the ongoing drama to get the four sides out of So…
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RugbyPass
29 Nov 2021, 2:48
Munster, Cardiff forced to stay behind in SA after player tests positive
Munster's bid to return to Ireland amid the chaos around a new Covid-19 variant first identified in South Africa has hit a signifi…
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Ian Cameron
28 Nov 2021, 5:37
'We've got to take a long, hard look at ourselves... It's not the first time it's happened'
Frustrated Glasgow coach Danny Wilson told his side their discipline must improve as he lamented the way they threw away victory a…
'Frustrated' South African sides may resort to Plan B to endure URC shut out - report
Once again there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the game of rugby in South Africa, which could mean derby matches are on the …
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Rugby365
28 Nov 2021, 3:13
Ramiro Moyano touches down twice as Edinburgh win at Dragons
Ramiro Moyano scored two tries as Edinburgh deservedly picked up the spoils with a 30-14 bonus-point win over the Dragons at Rodne…
Glasgow seen off by more late heroics from Benetton's teenage star
Fly-half Leonardo Marin sunk Glasgow with a dramatic last-gasp penalty as Benetton claimed a 19-18 United Rugby Championship victo…
Munster issue update: Province working 'tirelessly' to get players home
Munster are working hard to return their squad to Irish shores after getting effectively stranded in South Africa due to concern a…
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Ian Cameron
27 Nov 2021, 2:45
Connacht storm to comfortable victory over Ospreys in Galway
Connacht’s admirable sense of adventure at a wind and rain-lashed Sportsground was rewarded with a 46-18 bonus-point win over th…
OFF: URC round 6 and 7 matches in South Africa have been postponed
URC games planned for South Africa this weekend and next weekend involving Cardiff, Munster, Scarlets and Zebre have been called o…
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Liam Heagney
26 Nov 2021, 5:17
The time Rassie Erasmus 'lost the plot' with a Munster player
When you think of Rassie Erasmus the head coach, you think of a brilliant orator, a canny man-manager, and an unorthodox leader wh…
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Ian Cameron
26 Nov 2021, 3:59
Scarlets and Cardiff want to return from SA 'ASAP' as URC hit by variant fears
The Scarlets are planning to return to Wales at the earliest opportunity after South Africa was added to the UK Government’s tra…
Rising Wales star Basham opts to stay local with long term contract
The Dragons have managed to retain rising Wales back-row star Taine Basham, securing his services with a new 'long term contract'.…
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Sam Smith
25 Nov 2021, 4:26
Wallabies legend tipped to make return to Super Rugby Pacific
Former Wallabies playmaker Stephen Larkham has been tipped to return to his former Super Rugby Pacific side after walking out on I…
Stephen Larkham has handed in his notice and will quit Munster
Ex-Wallabies assistant Stephen Larkham has handed in his notice at Munster after deciding to take up a job offer closer to home in…
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Liam Heagney
23 Nov 2021, 10:32
Leinster in hunt for 'big name' lock as Ulster miss out on 'bomb squad' Bok
Leinster are in the market for a 'big name' southern hemisphere second row as they look to reinforce their options in the engine r…
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Ian Cameron
22 Nov 2021, 10:26
Glasgow move for Sale Sharks' Scotland prospect Ashman
New Scotland cap Ewan Ashman has joined Glasgow Warriors on loan from Sale Sharks until the end of the season.
Dai Young explains why Cardiff signed Taulupe Faletau
The Wales international has won 86 caps and played in five British and Irish Lions Tests.
Aussie born breakout star of URC gets Ireland call-up
Uncapped Connacht wing Mack Hansen will train with Ireland’s squad this week ahead of Saturday’s autumn international against …
Ireland international Sammy Arnold to exit Connacht for Top 14
Connacht centre Sammy Arnold will leave the province at the end of the season and head to France, it has been confirmed.
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Ian Cameron
29 Oct 2021, 6:56
Glasgow sign Nathan McBeth from Lions
.Glasgow have announced the signing of former Scotland Under-20s prop Nathan McBeth from United Rugby Championship rivals the Lion…
Myler kicks all 18 points as Ospreys inflict first Munster defeat
Munster were beaten for the first time in this season's URC as the Stephen Myler-inspired Ospreys recorded an 18-10 victory in Swa…
Dragons fail to profit from Lee-Lo red card as Cardiff hold sway
Dragons failed to make the most of a fast start and a red card for Cardiff centre Rey Lee-Lo as they were beaten 31-29 by their We…
Timely URC upset as noisy neighbours Connacht scalp unbeaten Ulster
Leinster, Munster and Ulster had stolen an early-season march in the URC but Connacht have now provided an attention-grabbing upse…
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Liam Heagney
23 Oct 2021, 11:26
Edinburgh turn a one-point interval lead into a bonus win at Zebre
Edinburgh pulled clear in the second half to earn a hard-fought 27-10 bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Cha…
Dan Sheehan crosses as Leinster secure bonus-point victory in Glasgow
Dan Sheehan celebrated his first Ireland call-up with a third try in two matches as Leinster secured an impressive 31-15 bonus-poi…
Scarlets bounce back from heavy defeats with victory over Benetton in Llanelli
Scrum-half Dane Blacker scored two tries as the Scarlets picked up a morale-boosting 34-28 bonus-point win over Benetton in Llanel…
Bismarck du Plessis still rolling back the years
Bismarck du Plessis has enjoyed a stellar rugby career, winning a Rugby World Cup and 79-caps, but the physical hooker still has a…
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Jon Cardinelli
20 Oct 2021, 0:41
Saracens stars show they aren't a spent force
The England squad has set tongues wagging, Saracens show they've lost nothing of their lustre and Leinster still rule all they sur…
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Owain Jones
18 Oct 2021, 9:39
South African teams predicted to become 'unstoppable' in URC
A tough month on the road came to an end this weekend with South African teams returning home after a mixed bag in their first fou…
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RugbyPass
18 Oct 2021, 9:19
'It's just inexcusable... hopefully something happens to the TMO'
Connacht head coach Andy Friend has lashed out at 'an inexcusable' refereeing mistake that dented his side's chances of a rare Tho…
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Kim Ekin
18 Oct 2021, 2:05
'Last year we got the better of them so I'd imagine they are coming here looking for a big win'
Glasgow defence coach Kenny Murray was delighted to make it two games without conceding a try but warned his side must improve the…
'It hasn't been easy'- Jake White's Bulls can't wait to host URC sides on SA soil
The Bulls return to South Africa with a disappointing one win from four matches on their European venture.
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Jan De Koning
17 Oct 2021, 3:52
'I kicked like an absolute clown in the warm-up... luckily I did it when it mattered'
Edinburgh centre Mark Bennett was glad he came good when it mattered with a crucial penalty against Bulls after kicking like a “…
'Two rule books': Frustration growing over Bulls' non-try as losses pile up for SA teams
Edinburgh scored an important win when held out against a hard-charging Bulls team in their Round Four encounter on Saturday to wi…
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Sam Smith
16 Oct 2021, 19:36
Carbery nightmare comes good as Munster survive Connacht scare
Diarmuid Barron’s 78th-minute try proved decisive as Munster edged out Connacht in a rip-roaring 20-18 URC win.
Rhys Priestland guides Cardiff to URC victory over Sharks
Rhys Priestland steered Cardiff to a hard-fought 23-17 victory as his side survived a second-half onslaught from the Sharks.
Forward greed as Leinster heavyweights crush Scarlets
Leinster’s forwards hogged all seven tries for themselves in a runaway 50-15 United Rugby Championship victory over the Scarlets…
Edinburgh beat Bulls but pay price with injury to Scotland star
Edinburgh held on against a late Bulls rally to pick up their second win of the United Rugby Championship at the DAM Health Stadiu…
Ospreys survive a stunning Benetton fightback to emerge with a win
Benetton fell 26-7 behind to Ospreys but second-half tries from Smith, Ioane and Menoncello pulled them level before the Welsh sid…
Glasgow make it three URC wins on the bounce with victory at Zebre
Having lost their URC opener at Ulster, Glasgow have now chalked up consecutive wins against the Sharks, Lions and Zebre.
Pumas wing to make Glasgow debut against Zebre
Argentina international Sebastian Cancelliere will make his Glasgow debut against Zebre today as part of a new-look back line.
Stormers pick up first win of United Rugby Championship
The Dragons fell to a third consecutive home defeat of the season as the Stormers picked up their first win of the United Rugby Ch…
Ulster remain perfect with bonus-point win over Lions
Two tries from back-rower Nick Timoney ensured Ulster made it four bonus-point wins from four as they defeated the Lions 26-10 at …
Rumours of 'home games' in Europe quashed as SA Rugby confirm fixtures
Despite rumours to the contrary, South Africa's United Rugby Championship (URC) home games will be played on South African soil th…
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Sam Smith
15 Oct 2021, 9:42
SA Rugby's message to Stormers amid off-field dramas back in Cape Town
While the Cape Town rugby scene is abuzz, almost besotted, with the South African rugby union decision to place Western Province R…
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Jan De Koning
15 Oct 2021, 8:15
Edinburgh appoint Olympic gold winning coach Gareth Baber
Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed the appointment of 2020 Olympic Gold winning Fiji Sevens Head Coach Gareth Baber as the club’s ne…
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Sam Smith
15 Oct 2021, 6:12
Lions duo to face-off in URC debuts
Bundee Aki and Tadhg Beirne are set to make their URC debuts as they return for Connacht and Munster respectively this weekend in …
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Ian Cameron
15 Oct 2021, 5:54
'Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange' - Hallam Amos walks away from rugby
It's rare that players walk away from successful rugby careers in their mid-twenties, but that's exactly what Wales and Cardiff ba…
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Kim Ekin
15 Oct 2021, 3:42
What a potential Club World Cup for rugby should look like
If reports in recent days and weeks are to be believed, rugby could be on the brink of creating a revolutionary, and long-awaited,…
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Alex McLeod
14 Oct 2021, 21:54
Van Der Walt: 'He's a big legend in South African rugby... It's exciting'
Edinburgh’s Jaco Van Der Walt is relishing the prospect of locking horns with South Africa icon Morne Steyn this weekend.
Italian minnows Zebre have officially changed their name
Italian side Zebre have been around since 2012 but they have now announced a name change to coincide with the establishment of the…
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Liam Heagney
14 Oct 2021, 8:43
The life of a head coach: Bossing it
The job of a head coach is all-consuming, so Dai Young, Lee Blackett, Danny Wilson and Dan McFarland lift the lid on what their jo…
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Graham Simmons
13 Oct 2021, 2:02
Tonga wing Walter Fifita has joined Glasgow with immediate effect
Walter Fifita will become the fifth Tongan to play for Glasgow after Fainga’anuku, Puafisi, Halanukonuka and Lokotui.
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Sam Smith
12 Oct 2021, 5:49
'Last resort': SA Rugby steps in to solve Western Province crisis
Long-held SA Rugby concerns over the running of the sport in the Stormers, Western Province region have now come to a head.
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Sam Smith
12 Oct 2021, 2:22
RG Snyman facing months on sideline after rupturing ACL again
Munster have confirmed that Springbok star RG Snyman has ruptured his ACL again, just three games into his return from the same in…
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Kim Ekin
11 Oct 2021, 6:41
Morne Steyn to fly to Scotland to answer SOS call - report
The Bulls have reportedly sent an SOS to one of their Springboks to join them in Scotland ahead of their Round Four match against …
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Ian Cameron
11 Oct 2021, 6:29
Ref watch: 'How is that try awarded, that's ridiculous'
Refereeing is under the microscope as never before – and this weekend’s action has thrown yet more fuel on the fire.
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Paul Smith
11 Oct 2021, 5:55
'It's a different kind of pitch, and to be honest I'm not a fan'
World Cup winning coach Jake White has become the latest big name to attack the use of 4G pitches in professional rugby.
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Paul Smith
11 Oct 2021, 2:49
Edinburgh prop says South African sides getting to grips in URC
Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman reckons Saturday’s stalemate with Stormers represents a further sign the South African sides are …
RG Snyman injury 'significant' says Munster boss
Giant Springbok secondrow RG Snyman could be left facing another spell on the sidelines, just three games into his return to profe…
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Kim Ekin
10 Oct 2021, 12:17
'Absolutely devastated... it's embarrassing' - Wales prop on verge of tears
Wales prop Rob Evans was left on the verge of tears this afternoon after the Scarlets shipped a humiliating United Rugby Champions…
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Ian Cameron
10 Oct 2021, 11:19
Munster make light work of Scarlets
Munster maintained their perfect start to the URC season as they ran in six tries on their way to a convincingly 43-13 win at Scar…
Jamie Bhatti to develop at Glasgow after Edinburgh cold shoulder
Glasgow assistant coach Kenny Murray paid tribute to Jamie Bhatti after he marked his 50th appearance for the club by scoring.
'Not good news' - Jake White fears for Bulls star Johan Goosen
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White painted a bleak picture regarding flyhalf Johan Goosen. The Bulls recorded their first United R…
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Rugby365
10 Oct 2021, 3:43
Calls growing for Stormers' 21-year-old prospect to make Springbok squad
Another prospect has emerged in South Africa as a potential long-term replacement for Springboks Number 8 Duane Vermeulen, with St…
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Sam Smith
09 Oct 2021, 16:32
Jake White's Bulls claim first URC win
Cardiff slipped to a 29-19 United Rugby Championship defeat to the Bulls as the South African outfit chalked up their first win.
Dragons end losing run with impressive win at Connacht
Connacht’s inconsistent form struck again as the Dragons prevailed 35-22 to impressively chalk up their first win.
Edinburgh held to URC stalemate with Stormers
Edinburgh and the Stormers could not be separated as their United Rugby Championship clash ended all square at the DAM Health Stad…
Glasgow Warriors survive Lions fightback to claim URC victory
Glasgow dug deep to hold off a spirited second-half comeback bid from the Lions in a hard-fought United Rugby Championship clash a…
Second half Leinster surge puts pay to Zebre
URC Second half Leinster surge puts pay to Zebre
Ulster overcome Benetton to stay perfect in United Rugby Championship
Ulster made it 15 points out of a possible 15 in the URC but were made to fight all the way by a spirited Benetton in a 28-8 victo…
Sharks off the mark in the URC care of the Ospreys
Sharks outside-half Boeta Chamberlain kicked three drop goals as his side ended the Ospreys’ unbeaten start to the season with a…
One cap lreland wing makes Leinster return 22 months after last appearance
One cap Ireland international Adam Byrne has returned to a Leister starting fifteen for the first time in nearly two years.
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Kim Ekin
08 Oct 2021, 9:25
'I'm not a wee boy any more. I've got plenty of caps' - Darcy Graham
Darcy Graham admits he now views himself as a senior player at Edinburgh. The wing only turned 24 earlier this year but given the …
Stormers lock Adre Smith banned for bite
Stormers lock André Smith has copped a hefty ban after being found guilty of biting Munster hooker Niall Scannell.
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Ian Cameron
07 Oct 2021, 12:32
Sevens specialist Fergusson hoping third times a charm at Glasgow
Robbie Fergusson is relishing the prospect of playing in front of the Scotstoun crowd once more after agreeing to return to Glasgo…
Discarded Cheetahs' European dreams dashed
The Cheetahs’ aspiration of returning to Europe has come to an abrupt end. Following their exclusion from the European-based PRO…
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Rugby365
07 Oct 2021, 7:06
Giant Lions return to Ospreys line-up to face SA tour foes once again
The Ospreys will receive a giant boost this weekend as they welcome two outsized Lions to their starting line-up for the Cell C Sh…
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Ian Cameron
07 Oct 2021, 4:44
Why 'big men in their packs' are hurting South African URC teams
There was much hype in pre-season about the addition of four South African sides to the URC this term but they have yet to impress…
URC Sharks have identified a Swiss base camp for European matches
The Sharks have recently visited Ireland, Scotland and Wales to prepare for games but the new URC team have announced plans for a …
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Kim Ekin
06 Oct 2021, 3:35
Stormers lock Adre Smith citing for an alleged bite versus Munster
The Stormers' difficult first European tour in the URC took a turn for worse on Tuesday when lock Adre Smith was cited for an alle…
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Sam Smith
05 Oct 2021, 13:39
'Mike's almost a new-generation coach': Why Edinburgh trust Blair
Losing to the last kick at Benetton wasn't in the script for Edinburgh but the dressing room is standing firm behind new boss Mike…
'Fierce competitor': Denis Leamy joins the Cullen Leinster set-up
Denis Leamy was just 30 when injury forced him to quit playing in 2012 but he has since done coaching and now joins Leo Cullen's L…
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Liam Heagney
05 Oct 2021, 3:35
The evolution of counter-attacking
Is the counterattack as we knew it dead, or does elite rugby still have a place for hot-stepping David Duckham-esque bursts?
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Will Owen
05 Oct 2021, 0:49
Edinburgh coach Mike Blair backs new signing for Scotland call-up
Mike Blair believes Edinburgh scrum-half Vellacott could play his way into Scotland contention if he keeps up his scorching early…
'Pretty impressive wasn't he' - Bok superstar's big shift raises URC smiles
Ulster coach Dan McFarland was smiling broadly on Saturday night, but not only because his side had comprehensively beaten Zebre i…
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RugbyPass
04 Oct 2021, 7:59
Tiger kings back on their throne
The domestic season is in full swing and Leicester Tigers are leading the way, while the South African franchises continue struggl…
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Garry Doyle
04 Oct 2021, 4:56
'He's got a full on bite mark' - Stormers lock could face citing over incident
Munster and Stormers have been left waiting to see whether or not an alleged biting incident that occurred during their match at T…
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Ian Cameron
04 Oct 2021, 3:17
Limp Leinster stumble past Dragons in narrow Rodney Parade victory
Dragons’ miserable record against the Irish provinces continued as they fell to another defeat at the hands of Leinster in an er…
Another 'humbling' URC weekend for South Africa's Super franchises
The slow start for the South African teams in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship continued in round two of the competition with…
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RugbyPass
03 Oct 2021, 4:33
'I don't feel the need to go into a war of words with the club'
Paul Gustard is soaking up life in Italy, telling RugbyPass his Harlequins stint wasn't a failure and outlining his high hopes for…
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Liam Heagney
03 Oct 2021, 1:00
Gareth Anscombe's comeback continues as Ospreys triumph in Welsh derby
The Ospreys beat Cardiff 18-14 in Swansea to make it two wins from two in this season’s United Rugby Championship.
Video: RG Snyman scores as Munster come from behind to beat Stormers
RG Snyman beamed the biggest smile of the night as his try helped Munster to a 34-18 United Rugby Championship win over the Storme…
Ulster storm to victory over Zebre in Parma
Ulster recorded a second successive bonus-point victory in the United Rugby Championship as they saw off Zebre 36-3 at Stadio Serg…
Glasgow Warriors fight off late Shark attack in Scotstoun
Cole Forbes ran in two tries as Glasgow claimed a 35-24 United Rugby Championship victory over the Sharks at Scotstoun.
85th-minute drop-goal from 19-year-old Benetton sub sinks Edinburgh
Edinburgh looked to have done enough after Ben Vellacott scored two tries, but 19-year-old sub Leonardo Marin struck late for Bene…
Connacht heap more URC misery on Jake White's Bulls
Mack Hansen lit up the Sportsground with an early try-of-the-season contender as Connacht broke clear of Vodacom Bulls to claim a …
Tom Rogers scores brace of tries to help Scarlets to victory over Lions
The Scarlets secured their first victory of the United Rugby Championship with a 36-13 bonus-point win over the Lions in Llanelli.
Boyhood Edinburgh fan Connor Boyle determined to make his mark this season
Boyhood Edinburgh fan Connor Boyle is determined to take a big step towards establishing himself in the team this season.
'Very different' - Coaches and players on how the URC differs from Super Rugby
After the wake-up call of the first week the sharp learning curve the South African teams are on in the United Rugby Championship …
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RugbyPass
30 Sep 2021, 2:28
'I don't think any of them have played on a 4G pitch before'
South African-born winger Kyle Steyn feels Glasgow can use their home pitch to their advantage when they take on league newcomers …
South African rugby caught between a rock and a hard place
South African rugby is very much caught between a rock and a hard place. Five professional teams took to the field over the weeken…
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Tom Vinicombe
28 Sep 2021, 21:48
Saracens have their pre-Premiership return warm-ups sorted
Saracens will prepare for their return to the Gallagher Premiership this coming season with a double header against Ulster in Sept…
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Josh Raisey
26 Jul 2021, 7:52
United Rugby Championship partners with Roc Nation
The new United Rugby Championship (URC) competition has revealed that it is to engage in a strategic consulting partnership with R…
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Sam Smith
14 Jul 2021, 1:34
United Rugby Championship News, Views and Analysis
Whether you’ve got a few minutes to scroll through the headlines or you’re looking for play-by-play analysis of last night’s match, our United Rugby Championship news hub is the best way to stay up to date. Explore stories about your favourite players, discover line-up and injury updates, and get ready to enjoy every moment of the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season.
From insights about previous seasons and competition records to the upcoming campaign, our United Rugby Championship news hub will ensure you’re fully informed. Whether you’re looking for opinion pieces, official statements or in-depth match coverage, bookmark this page to learn about the latest United Rugby Championship news.
