URC

Rugby Hiccups and Derby Day Dreams: The URC is Buzzing!

Catch the latest updates as URC schedules change and South African teams gear up for the epic Lions vs Bulls clash! #RugbyLove

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) has made some waves with its schedule as the round 13 clash between the Scarlets and the Stormers gets a new kick-off time. Originally set for the much-anticipated Saturday, March 22, the match will now start at 15:00 UK time, which translates to 17:00 in sunny South Africa. Fans of both teams are probably buzzing with the excitement of the re-arranged game, ready to rally behind their squads and soak in the electric atmosphere in Wales.

Meanwhile, the buzz doesn’t stop there! The excitement continues as the Lions prepare to take on the Bulls for a classic highveld derby at Emirates Airline Park on January 25. Ivan van Rooyen has handpicked a formidable squad to battle it out in a game that promises to be nothing short of a thrilling encounter. With Francke Horn leading the charge for the Lions, fans anticipate an electrifying showdown replete with nail-biting tension and passionate displays of rugby prowess.

Both teams have seen their ups and downs in Season 2024/25 of the URC, with the Lions looking to make a mark after previously slipping down the standings following consecutive losses to major teams like Leinster, Munster, and the Stormers. The rivalry adds a unique flair, making every tackle, scrum, and try crucial in shaping the season ahead. Boeta Chamberlain is set to pilot the Bulls’ attack as their starting flyhalf, with the undercurrents of sibling rivalry adding an extra sprinkle of excitement—David and Richard Kriel will both be on the field, proving that family ties can make this already intense rivalry even more engaging.

As the anticipation builds towards the games, South Africans eagerly await to gather around screens, whether at home, in pubs, or at the stadium, sharing in the exhilarating moments together. The camaraderie that surrounds these matches showcases the culture of unity that rugby fosters, making it a beloved sport in South Africa.

Did you know that the first United Rugby Championship was held in 2021? It has quickly become a prestigious competition, featuring teams from South Africa, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Italy. Additionally, the Lions have a rich history in South African rugby; their last championship win came in 2016, reminding fans that they have the potential to reclaim glory in this thrilling URC season!