Excitement surrounds the 2026/27 Vodacom URC start

As the 2026/27 Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) commenced, South African fans turned their attention to Galway, Johannesburg, Durban, and Parma this weekend. The DHL Stormers, 10bet Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls launched the new season before the Springboks faced Perth later on Sunday. With the Grand Final set for Saturday, 19 June 2027, all 16 teams began their campaigns with high hopes.

The DHL Stormers played first, facing Connacht from Ireland in Galway on Friday evening. South African supporters awaited the matchup with anticipation, especially since the Stormers had previously emerged victorious against Connacht on their last visit to Galway in May 2024. However, Connacht's impressive home form, marked by a five-game winning streak, posed a significant challenge.

On Saturday, attention shifted to Johannesburg, where the 10bet Lions clashed with two-time champions Leinster, who had eliminated them in the quarter-finals last season. The Lions hoped to create a rousing start after their first playoff appearance last season. Despite a difficult encounter ahead, the Lions were buoyed by their past success against Leinster at home, where they won the corresponding fixture in April 2024.

In Durban, the Hollywoodbets Sharks faced the Welsh Ospreys, who claimed the Welsh Shield last season. The Sharks aimed to improve on their previous season, which saw them finishing 10th and missing playoff contention. However, they had a formidable home record, having lost just once in their previous eight Vodacom URC matches at the Shark Tank. In contrast, the Ospreys struggled in South Africa, losing their last five matches in the country.

The Vodacom Bulls, runners-up in the past two seasons, were wary of underestimating Zebre Parma as they clashed in northern Italy. Historically, the Bulls had never lost to Zebre and were determined to reach their fifth Grand Final in six years, having previously secured a 54-29 victory against them in November 2023. The Bulls entered the match with confidence from their consistent opening game performances over the last four seasons and their strong track record in Italy.

Match Details:
- Connacht vs. DHL Stormers
- Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
- SA Time: 20h45
- Referee: Sam Grove-White
- TV: SuperSport
- 10bet Lions vs. Leinster
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- SA Time: 13h30
- Referee: Ben Breakspear
- TV: SuperSport
- Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Ospreys
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- SA Time: 16h00
- Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
- TV: SuperSport
- Zebre Parma vs. Vodacom Bulls
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
- SA Time: 18h30
- Referee: Andrew Brace
- TV: SuperSport