SA Rugby has proposed several drastic changes to the underage competitions for the 2026 season. The reasoning behind the changes, apparently, was to create more matches and opportunities for the development of the junior players.
However, the biggest loser will be the Varsity Cup/Shield competitions, which are scheduled to be played from 21 February to 18 April 2026. Previously, the Varsity Cup had an exclusive period scheduled; however, with the new proposal, universities and franchises will have to compete for players who have contracts/dual contracts in place, as other competitions have six matches scheduled during the Varsity Cup/Shield. A U23 round is also scheduled during the Semi-final of the Varsity Cup/Shield.
The U19 SA Rugby Competition is retained and is scheduled to be played from 05 September 2026 in a single round format, with the semi-finals and finals scheduled for 10 and 17 October 2026. The Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks, and Western Province will compete. The Leopards are excluded.
A “new” U20 SA Rugby Competition is scheduled to be played in a double-round format. The Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks, and Western Province will compete, with the Leopards also included. The teams will be divided into two conferences. The first four rounds will be played in April 2026, with the last two rounds and the final will be played during the last three weeks in May 2026.
The current U21 SA Rugby Competition is cancelled.
A new U23 SA Rugby "Franchise" Competition is scheduled in a double-round format. Only the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Western Province are scheduled to compete. One match will be played in December 2025, three in January 2026, and one match each is scheduled for February 2026 and March 2026. Currently, three overage players will be allowed; however, some Franchises are pushing for six players to be allowed.
The Currie Cup will be played in a single-round format during July and August 2026, with the semi-final and final scheduled for the first two weeks in September 2026.