Can Leinster Keep The Vodacom Bulls From Getting Over The Line In URC?

 

Two from two for Leinster? Third time’s a charm for Bulls? Everything you need to know ahead of the 2025/26 URC season. Club rugby is almost back, and the United Rugby Championship’s (URC) return is ready to take centre stage.

Some of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup’s finest talent will be back in action for their sides from Friday, 26 September, as matchday one wets the appetite for another spectacular season.

Fresh off the back of an impressively dominant campaign last term, Leinster Rugby head into 2025/26 as ones to beat. Champions in 2024/25, the Irish giants have bolstered their ranks with the addition of world-class centre Rieko Ioane.

Even before the All Black links up with the Dublin side, Leinster’s squad is already packed with talent. Recent British & Irish Lions stars like Tadgh Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park, Josh van der Flier and prolific try-scoring hooker Dan Sheehan promise to lead the charge. With such depth, the Irish side looks primed for the heights of the URC.

But Leinster’s might may only act as a red rag to the Vodacom Bulls. Finalists in three of the last four seasons, including the past two, the South Africans have fallen short each and every time.

A well-established part of the top three, the Bulls will be hoping that new signings Handré Pollard, Paul de Wet and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg will provide the firepower they need to get over the line.

Munster Rugby will also be looking to rival at the business end, as they search for a first final since 2023. Meanwhile, fellow provinces Connacht Rugby and Ulster Rugby have sights set on Investec Champions Cup qualification.

Benetton Rugby made history last year by qualifying for the Investec Champions Cup knockouts for the first time in club history. This term, the Italians will be keen to get their URC campaign off to a fast start as they go in search of a spot in the top eight.

Rieko Ioane’s arrival at Leinster will fall in time for the side’s Investec Champions Cup campaign, but the URC’s vast depth of talent across the hemispheres will have fans hooked from day one.

Tommaso Menoncello is a name from whom many have anticipated big things in 2025/26. Nominated for last season’s Six Nations Player of the Tournament, the 23-year-old will bear more responsibility amongst the backs, what with the departure of experienced centre partner Ignacio Brex (RC Toulon).

Down in South Africa, winger Edwill van der Merwe has high hopes after swapping the Lions for the Hollywoodbets Sharks. The ‘Bok bolter will get the chance to bring his expertise as the Sharks battle for South African bragging rights, all the while preparing for his maiden season in the Investec Champions Cup.

Over in Scotland, the Glasgow Warriors will be wondering if they've got what it takes to go all the way - just like in 2024. Centre Sione Tuipulotu is back fit and in form after an impressive British & Irish Lions tour, and the Scots have even added brother Tavi to their ranks. The 21-year-old hooker brings U20 World Cup experience to what is an already solid pack.

URC Round 1 fixtures (SA Time)