The United Rugby Championship (URC) returns this weekend, with a full round of fixtures to get rugby fans' pulses racing. The 2024-25 season will begin tonight (Fri 20 Sep) with action in both Edinburgh and Cardiff, as the 2 sides take on Leinster and Parma respectively. Games are then set to continue into the weekend, with an all-Welsh clash between Dragons and Ospreys on Saturday afternoon among the pick of the action. 2023/24 URC Champions Glasgow will also get their new campaign underway on Saturday, when they travel to Belfast for an evening kickoff against Ulster.
Featuring 16 teams from 5 nations across 2 hemispheres, the URC has become a force in the domestic game in recent years, and one of rugby union's most coveted prizes. Teams from Ireland, South Africa, Wales, Italy and Scotland currently compete in the tournament, with a quest for regional shields leading, eventually, towards a shot at the main prize – the United Rugby Championship Trophy. Eight-time winners Leinster are among the favorites to win the 2024-25 URC, but fellow Irish team Munster, reigning champions Glasgow, as well as South Africa's Bulls and Stormers are all set to make a tilt for the trophy.
A true test of skill and grit, the URC's competitors will have to make it through 18 gruelling rounds of action before they can think of knockout rugby and a charge towards the finish line. Ultimately, when all is said and done, the 2024-25 URC champion will be crowned in the Grand Final on 14 June 2025. For now, however, there's a whole tournament of world-class rugby to enjoy.
For more information on the URC, or to purchase tickets, click here.