All the details of this week-end’s URC fixtures
- Updated: 27/02/2026
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Cardiff Rugby v Leinster Rugby
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 19.00 IRE & UK / 20.00 ITA / 21.00 SA
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 59th league game)
AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)
Live on: S4C, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett (Treorchy/Ysgol Cwm Rhondda), Jacob Beetham (Brecon RFC/Ysgol Uwchradd Llanfair-ym-Muallt), Harri Millard (Mountain Ash / Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun), Ben Thomas (St Peters/Corpus Christi), Mason Grady (Barry & Penarth RFC / Ysgol Bro Morgannwg), Callum Sheedy (St Peters/Corpus Christi), Aled Davies (Whitland RFC/ Ysgol Bro Myrddin); Rhys Barratt (Llantwit Fardre/Coleg y Cymoedd), Liam Belcher (CAPT) (Porth Harlequins/Porth Community School), Javan Sebastian (Carmarthen Athletic/Queen Elizabeth High School), Josh McNally (RAF/ Aylestone High School), George Nott (Chester RUFC/Kings School, Chester), Alun Lawrence (Llantrisant RFC/ Ysgol Llanhari & Coleg y Cymoedd), Dan Thomas (Kidwelly/ Bro Myrddin), Taine Basham (Talywain/ Abersychan School)
Replacements: Daf Hughes (Llandovery/Llandovery College), Danny Southworth (Barnstaple/ Pilton School), Keiron Assiratti (Wattstown/Porth County School), Rory Thornton (Bonymaen/Cefn Hengoed), Evan Rees (Cambrian Welfare/ Ysgol Nantgwyn), Johan Mulder (University of Pretoria/ Afrikaanse Hoër Seuns Skool), Ioan Lloyd (CRICC/Glantaf), Tom Bowen (Aberdare & Abercynon/St Johns)
Leinster Rugby: Jimmy O’Brien (Newbridge College / Naas RFC), Joshua Kenny (Presentation College Bray / Greystones RFC), Rieko Ioane (Auckland Grammar School / Ponsonby Rugby Club), Robbie Henshaw (Marist College / Buccaneers RFC), Ruben Moloney (Blackrock College / Blackrock College RFC), Harry Byrne (St Michael’s College / Old Belvedere RFC), Fintan Gunne (St Michael’s College / Old Belvedere RFC); Jerry Cahir (Cistercian College Roscrea / Lansdowne FC), John McKee (Campbell College / Ards RFC & Terenure College RFC), Andrew Sparrow (St Mary’s College / St Mary’s College RFC), Alan Spicer (Belvedere College / Malahide RFC), Brian Deeny (St Peter’s College / Wexford Wanderers RFC), Max Deegan (CAPT) (St Michael’s College / Wanderers FC), Scott Penny (St Michael’s College / UCD RFC), James Culhane (Blackrock College / De La Salle Palmerston FC)
Replacements: Gus McCarthy (Blackrock College / Old Belvedere RFC), Alex Usanov (Belvedere College / Malahide RFC), Rabah Slimani (AAS Sarcelles), RG Snyman (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool), Josh Ericson (Skerries Community College / Skerries RFC), Luke McGrath (St Michael’s College / Old Belvedere RFC), Charlie Tector (Kilkenny College / Enniscorthy RFC), Andrew Osborne (Naas CBS / Naas RFC)
Cardiff Rugby Coach Corniel van Zyl said: “It’s a big boost to get some of the internationals back. We’ve got some players we probably didn’t expect to be back, which has been a big lift. You’ve also got the under-20 boys coming in as well, which helps.
“We have prepared well and are expecting a big challenge against a quality team.
“Their overall game is class. They’re known for getting energy from their defence. They attack very well, they’re very good at competing at the breakdown and their compete rate is high. They manage the middle of the field well; they attack when it’s on and they keep territory when it’s not. They kick well too.
“But we have to concentrate on our game. We need to go for it by putting pressure on them and making them feel it like we did in the same fixture last year.
“We were under a lot of pressure that day and it became too much. But it’s important to start well and apply pressure when we can. It won’t be like that for the whole game, but when we’ve got the ball and the chance to apply it, we need to take it.”
Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen said: “We have a younger cohort but there’s some experienced guys coming back into the mix. Robbie Henshaw is back training with the group, as is Jimmy O’Brien. It helps us build depth. It looks to the future and all that good stuff. We just need to try and produce a better overall performance because we were too standoffish in the first half in our last game.”
Edinburgh Rugby v Scarlets
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA
Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU, 12th league game)
AR 1: Hollie Davidson (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Edinburgh Rugby: Harry Paterson (Edinburgh Accies), Malelili Satala (Trentham RFC), James Lang (London Irish Amateurs), Mosese Tuipulotu (Greenock RFC), Wes Goosen (Corstorphine Cougars), Ross Thompson (Stewart’s Melville RFC), Ben Vellacott (Barnstaple RFC); Boan Venter (Hoërskool De Aar), Harri Morris (Melrose RFC), D’arcy Rae (Marr RFC), Marshall Sykes (Ayr RFC/Woodbridge), Glen Young (Jed-Forest RFC), Ben Muncaster (North Berwick RFC), Dylan Richardson (Kearnsey College), Magnus Bradbury (CAPT) (Oban Lorne RFC)
Replacements: Jerry Blyth-Lafferty (Boroughmuir RFC), James Whitcombe (Woodhouse Grove School), Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Boroughmuir RFC), Callum Hunter-Hill (Stewart’s Melville College), Connor Boyle (Stewart’s Melville College/Watsonians), Charlie Shiel (Royal High/ Currie Chieftains), Cammy Scott (Boroughmuir RFC/ George Watsons College), Piers O’Conor (Eastbourne College)
Scarlets: Jac Davies (Pentyrch RFC), Tom Rogers (Cefneithin RFC), Macs Page (Crymych RFC), Joe Roberts (Burry Port RFC), Tomi Lewis (Gwernyfed RFC), Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Carmarthen Quins RFC), Archie Hughes (Tenby RFC); Kemsley Mathias (Narberth RFC), Marnus van der Merwe (Hoërskool Nelspruit), Henry Thomas (Bath minis/Millfield School), Jake Ball (Camberley RFC), Sam Lousi (Bay Roskill Vikings), Max Douglas (Manly Marlins), Josh Macleod (CAPT) (Crymych RFC), Fletcher Anderson (University of Canterbury)
Replacements: Harry Thomas (New Dock Stars RFC), Alec Hepburn (Henley Hawks RFC), Harri O’Connor (Dorchester RFC), Jac Price (Carmarthen Quins), Jarrod Taylor (Western Province), Dane Blacker (Ynysybwl RFC), Ioan Jones (Minchinhampton RFC), Gabe McDonald (Burry Port RFC)
Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “It’s a proud moment for Boan and his family. Reaching 100 appearances for this club is a massive achievement that speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to the jersey over the years.
“Having key players like Mosese [Tuipulotu], Dylan [Richardson] and Marshall [Sykes] back from injury provides a timely boost, and there is always a special energy when we return home.”
“Tomorrow night’s ‘Origin Round’ adds another meaningful layer to the occasion. Seeing the players represent their home clubs by wearing their grassroots socks is a fantastic tribute to the communities that first shaped them as players.”
Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “We have had a good block of training where we have put a lot of work in, focusing a bit more on what I call our DNA and how we want to play.
“We know Edinburgh are one of the quickest starters in the BKT URC so that first 30 minutes is going to be key for us – how we manage the game and our accuracy is going to be really important. They are also a side who pride themselves on their scrum and line-out and that is the challenge for our pack to go and take the game to Edinburgh. With only 10 points between us and eighth place in the table, this is another massive game for us.”
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v DHL Stormers
Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA / 14.30 SA
Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 8th league game)
AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Stephen Geldenhuys (SARU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions: Quan Horn (Paarl Boys High), Kelly Mpeku (King Edwards VII), Henco van Wyk (Monument), Bronson Mills (King Edward VII), 1Angelo Davids (Stellenberg High School), Chris Smith (SACS), Morne van den Berg (Hoërskool Linden); SJ Kotze (Paarl Boys High), PJ Botha (Monument), RF Schoeman (Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer), Etienne Oosthuizen (Bersig Academy), Darrien Landsberg (Northcliff High School), Siba Mahashe (Hudson Park High School), Batho Hlekani (Graeme College), Francke Horn (CAPT) (Paarl Boys High)
Replacements: Franco Marais (Transvalia), Eddie Davids Hoërskool Fichardtpark), Conrad van Vuuren (Hoërskool Nelspruit), Reinhard Nothnagel (Monument), Siba Qoma (Westville Boys), Renzo du Plessis (Hoërskool Ben Vorster), Nico Steyn (Glenwood Boys), Erich Cronje (EG Jansen)
DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant (Outeniqua), Dylan Maart (Klein Nederburg), Wandisile Simelane (Jeppe), Jonathan Roche (Bishops), Leolin Zas (Hermanus), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Bishops), Stefan Ungerer (Maritzburg College); Ntuthuko Mchunu (Maritzburg College), JJ Kotzé (Paul Roos), Sazi Sandi (St Andrews), Adré Smith (Oakdale), JD Schickerling (CAPT) (Paarl Gim), Paul de Villiers (Oakdale), Ben-Jason Dixon (Paul Roos), Evan Roos (Paarl Boys)
Replacements: André-Hugo Venter (Grey College), Vernon Matongo (Northwood), Zachary Porthen (Wynberg), Connor Evans (Bishops), Marcel Theunissen (Grey College), Hacjivah Dayimani (Jeppe), Imad Khan (Bishops), Jurie Matthee (Paarl Gim)
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said: “It was good for the players to get a short break and since coming back together we have done some really valuable work which we feel will stand us in good stead for the second half of the season.
“It is another South African derby this weekend against a Lions team that have shown some good form lately, so we will need to be as sharp as possible to get the result,”
Vodacom Bulls v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA
Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 21st league game)
AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Vodacom Bulls: David Kriel (Grey Bloem), Sebastian de Klerk (Boland Landbou), Canan Moodie (Boland Landbou), Harold Vorster (Frans du Toit, Phalaborwa), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Paulus Joubert), Handre Pollard (Paarl Gym), Embrose Papier (Garsfontein); Alulutho Tshakweni (Hudson Park High School), Jan Hendrik Wessels (Grey Bloem), Morne Smith (Eldoraigne), Ruan Vermaak (Monument), Ruan Nortje (Wonderboom), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT) (Port Natal), Elrich Louw (Transvalia), Nizaam Carr (Bishops)
Replacements: Marco van Staden (Bekker Landbou), Sti Sithole (Westville), Wilco Louw (HTS Drostdy), Cobus Wiese (Upington), Jeandre Rudolph (Oakdale), Paul de Wet (Paarl Boys High), Willie le Roux (Paul Roos), Stravino Jacobs (Paarl Gym)
Hollywoodbets Sharks: Jaco Williams (Glenwood High School), Edwill van der Merwe (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Jurenzo Julius (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Andre Esterhuizen (CAPT) (Hoerskool Klerksdorp), Makazole Mapimpi (Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary School), Jordan Hendrikse (Glenwood High School), Jaden Hendrikse (Glenwood High School), Ox Nche (HTS Louis Botha Technical School), Eduan Swart (Hoȅrskool Oos-Moot), Vincent Koch (Huguenot High School), Jason Jenkins (St Albans College), Emile van Heerden (Paarl Boys High School), Tino Mavesere (Churchill Boys High School), Vincent Tshituka (Northcliff High School), Phepsi Buthelezi (Durban High School)
Replacements: Fez Mbatha (Martizburg College), Phatu Ganyane (Glenwood High School), Hanro Jacobs (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Corne Rahl (Hoȅr Landbouskool Oakdale), Thomas Dyer (Hilton College), Ross Braude (Grey College), Siya Masuku (Piet Retief High School), Yaw Penxe (Queens College)
Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann said: “The Sharks will test us on all fronts. They have quality forwards, a good set piece, power in the centres and speed out wide. It will be a great test for us, hopefully before a big home crowd.”
Connacht Rugby v Glasgow Warriors
Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 17th league game)
AR 1: Keane Davison (IRFU) AR 2: Chris Lough (IRFU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Connacht Rugby: Sam Gilbert (Lincoln University / St. Andrew’s College), Shane Jennings (Ballinasloe RFC / Garbally College), Harry West (Ballina RFC / St. Muredach’s College), Cathal Forde (Corinthians RFC / Coláiste Iognáid), Finn Treacy (Greystones RFC / Presentation College Bray), Josh Ioane (Southern Magpies / King’s College), Caolin Blade (Monivea RFC / Clarin College); Denis Buckley (Creggs RFC / Blackrock College), Dylan Tierney-Martin (Corinthians RFC / The Bish), Sam Illo (Old Wesley RFC / Wesley College), David O’Connor (St. Mary’s College RFC / Blackrock College), Joe Joyce (Southmead RFC / Filton College), Paul Boyle (CAPT) (Gorey RFC / Gorey Community College), Sean O’Brien (Greystones RFC / Blackrock College), Sean Jansen (Green Island / Otago High School)
Replacements: Matthew Victory (Bective Rangers RFC / St. Michael’s College), Billy Bohan (Newbridge RFC / Newbridge College), Jack Aungier (Suttonians RFC / St. Fintan’s High School), Josh Murphy (Clontarf RFC / St. Michael’s College), Cian Prendergast (Newbridge RFC / Newbridge College), Colm Reilly (Ballinasloe RFC / Garbally College), Jack Carty (Buccaneers RFC / Marist College), Bundee Aki (Borneo Eagles / Manurewa High School)
Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay (Kaiapoi), Kyle Rowe (Queen Victoria School), Stafford McDowall (CAPT) (Stewartry), Kerr Yule (West of Scotland), Ollie Smith (Marr), Dan Lancaster (West Park Leeds), Ben Afshar (Edinburgh Academical); Jamie Bhatti (Hillfoots), Seb Stephen (Garioch/Glenalmond College), Murphy Walker (Dundee Eagles), Jare Oguntibeju (Meridian Pinehurst), Alex Samuel (Madras), Euan Ferrie (East Kilbride), Angus Fraser (Dundee Eagles), Ally Miller (Preston Lodge/Musselburgh)
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston (Dumfries Saints), Patrick Schickerling (Walvis Bay High School), Sam Talakai (Waverley College), Alex Craig (Stewartry), Macenzzie Duncan (Clevedon), Sione Vailanu (Hihifo), Jack Oliver (Garryowen), Adam Hastings (George Watson’s College)
Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’ve had a good break and opportunity to regroup ahead of an important run of games at home. The atmosphere against Leinster was incredible, and if the fans can replicate that energy again on Saturday, I know it’ll give all the players a huge lift.
We’re under no illusions that we’ve a big task ahead of us. Glasgow have won 9 on the bounce so are very well coached with quality across the pitch. But I’m also confident in our qualities both individually and collectively, so if we perform like I know we can for the full 80 minutes, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: ”Training has been sharp this week, as we prepare for our return to BKT URC action tomorrow afternoon.
“Connacht possess a squad that blends a physical forward pack with backs that can threaten from anywhere on the field and have welcomed back their internationals for this fixture – they pose a difficult proposition for any side on the competition.
“We are fully focused on our own performance levels, however, and we want to ensure that we put out the best version of ourselves possible tomorrow afternoon.”
Munster Rugby v Zebre Parma
Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 95th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Max Weston (IRFU)
TMO: Colin Brett (SRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley (Preston Grasshoppers/Hartpury College), Calvin Nash (Young Munster RFC/Crescent College Comp), Tom Farrell (Coolmine RFC/Castleknock College), Dan Kelly (Rochdale Rugby Union/Kirkham Grammar), Shane Daly (Highfield RFC/PBC), JJ Hanrahan (Castleisland RFC/Rockwell College), Paddy Patterson (Blackrock College); Michael Milne (Birr RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea), Niall Scannell (PBC/Dolphin RFC), Michael Ala’alatoa (West Harbour RFC), Jean Kleyn (Hoërskool Linden), Fineen Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea), Gavin Coombes (Skibbereen RFC/Bandon Grammar), Jack O’Donoghue (CAPT) (Waterpark RFC), Brian Gleeson (Thurles RFC/Rockwell College)
Replacements: Lee Barron (Lansdowne RFC/St Michael’s College), Josh Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea), John Ryan (Muskerry RFC/CBC), Edwin Edogbo (Cobh Pirates RFC), Alex Kendellen (PBC), Ethan Coughlan (Ennis RFC), Tom Wood (Ballina Killaloe RFC/St Munchin’s College), Seán O’Brien (Mullingar RFC)
Zebre Parma: Giovanni Montemauri (US Primavera Rugby), Albert Einstein Batista (Rugby Rufus San Vincenzo), Giulio Bertaccini (Amatori Rugby Parma), Damiano Mazza (Rugby Parma 1931), Simone Gesi (Livorno Rugby), Giacomo Da Re (Benetton), Gonzalo Garcia (Natación y Gimnasia); Juan Pitinari (Logaritmo Rugby), Giampietro Ribaldi (Caimani Rugby), Enrique Pieretto (Cordoba Atletic Club), Matteo Canali (Rugby Ariccia), Alessandro Ortombina (Rugby Club Valpolicella), Bautista Stavile (Mendoza Rugby Club), Samuele Locatelli (Rugby Lecco), Giacomo Ferrari (CAPT) (Unione Rugby Capitolina)
Replacements: Giovanni Quattrini (Gattico Rugby), Paolo Buonfiglio (ASD Sesto Rugby), Luca Franceschetto (Amatori Rugby Vicenza), Guido Volpi (Circolo Universitario De Quilmes), Iacopo Bianchi (Vasari Rugby Arezzo), Thomas Dominguez (Club Atletico San Isidro), Martin Roger Farias (Santiago Lawn Tennis), Maro Zanon (Rugby Bassano)
Zebre Parma Head Coach Massimo Brunello said: “We’re fully aware of their strength and how determined they are on home soil. As in the last few matches, we’ll put in all the physicality and energy needed to stay in the fight and keep ourselves in the game right until the final whistle.”
Dragons RFC v Benetton
Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 35th league game)
AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Marcus Caudle (WRU)
TMO: Paul Haycock (IRFU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CAPT) (Caerleon), David Richards (Newport, Monmouth), Fine Inisi (Takapuna), Aneurin Owen (Newport High School Old Boys), Rio Dyer (Risca, Pill, Newport High School Old Boys), Tinus de Beer (Blue Bulls), Che Hope (Blackwood); Rodrigo Martinez (Los Tordos), Brodie Coghlan (Newport High School Old Boys), Chris Coleman (Garndiffaith), Levi Douglas (Old Elthamians), Seb Davies (Pentyrch), Ryan Woodman (Caldicot), Harry Beddall (St Peter’s), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Ferndale)
Replacements: Oli Burrows (Neath Athletic), Jordan Morris (Croesyceiliog), Owain James (Ynysybwl), Barny Langton-Cryer (Cowbridge), Evan Minto (Pontypool United), Rhodri Williams (Ammanford), Fetuli Paea (Waitohi Picton), Cai Evans (Cowbridge)
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