The new United Rugby Championship (URC) season is almost here, and South Africa’s four franchises have made plenty of changes to their squads ahead of another demanding campaign.
The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions have all been active in the transfer market, bringing in new players while saying goodbye to several established stars.
The 2026/27 URC season officially gets underway on Friday, 25 September 2026, with the Grand Final scheduled for 19 June 2027. The competition will feature 18 regular-season rounds before the top eight teams battle through a three-round playoff series.
Defending champions Leinster will begin their title defence after defeating the Bulls in last season’s final.
Lions strengthen squad ahead of new campaign
The Lions have added experience and depth in several key positions.
Transfers in
- Boan Venter – Prop, 29, from Edinburgh
- Dan Kasende – Winger, 31, from Ospreys
- Boeta Chamberlain – Fly-half, 27, from Newcastle Red Bulls
- Asad Moos – Scrum-half, 22, from Stormers
Transfers out
- Ruben Schoeman – Lock, 30, to Narbonne
- Gianni Lombard – Fly-half, 28, to Sharks
- Darrien Landsberg – Lock, 27, to Sharks
- Franco Marais – Hooker, 33, retired
The Lions will face a major opening-round challenge when they host defending champions Leinster at Ellis Park.
Stormers make major statement with new arrivals
The Stormers have made some eye-catching additions, including the return of two major South African stars.
Transfers in
- Wilco Louw – Prop, 31, from Bulls
- Siya Kolisi – Back row, 35, from Sharks
- Cheslin Kolbe – Winger, 32, from Tokyo Sungoliath
The arrival of Kolisi and Kolbe gives the Cape side considerable international experience as they prepare for another demanding URC campaign.
Transfers out
- Salmaan Moerat – Lock, 28, to La Rochelle
- Dan du Plessis – Centre, 31, to Bordeaux
- Dylan Maart – Winger, 29, to Bulls
- Corne Weilbach – Prop, 24, to Saracens
- Ruben van Heerden – Lock, 28, to Montpellier
- Siyabonga Ntubeni – Hooker, 35, retired
- Asad Moos – Scrum-half, 22, to Lions
The Stormers open their campaign away against Connacht in Galway.
Sharks bring in experience
The Sharks have also reshaped their squad, with several experienced players arriving from overseas and rival South African franchises.
Transfers in
- Ivan van Zyl – Scrum-half, 31, from Saracens
- Thomas du Toit – Prop, 31, from Bath
- Gianni Lombard – Fly-half, 28, from Lions
- Darrien Landsberg – Lock, 27, from Lions
- Stephan Lewies – Lock, 34, from Harlequins
Transfers out
- Grant Williams – Scrum-half, 29, to Kobelco Steelers
- Aphelele Fassi – Fullback, 28, to Brave Lupus
- Siya Kolisi – Back row, 35, to Stormers
- Jean Smith – Fly-half, 23, to Benetton
- Francois Venter – Centre, 35, retired
- Le Roux Malan – Centre, 27, to Cardiff Rugby
- Luan Giliomee – Fullback, 20, to Bulls
The Sharks begin their season at home against Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Bulls look to bounce back
After reaching the URC final last season, the Bulls have also made several changes as they look to go one step further and reclaim the title.
Transfers in
- Thaakir Abrahams – Winger, 27, from Munster
- Luan Giliomee – Fullback, 20, from Sharks
- Dylan Maart – Winger, 29, from Stormers
- Hanro Liebenberg – Back row, 30, from Leicester Tigers
- Curwin Bosch – Fullback, 29, from Brive
Transfers out
- Wilco Louw – Prop, 31, to Stormers
- Ruan Nortje – Lock, 27, to Kubota Spears
- Johan Goosen – Fly-half, 33, retired
- David Kriel – Centre, 27, to La Rochelle
- Kurt-Lee Arendse – Winger, 30, to Sagamihara
The Bulls will begin their campaign in Italy against Zebre Parma.
South African teams face challenging opening round
The opening weekend features some intriguing match-ups, with all four South African franchises facing competitive opposition.
The Lions have arguably the biggest opening-round assignment against defending champions Leinster, while the Stormers travel to Galway to face Connacht.
The Sharks will welcome Ospreys to Durban, while the Bulls travel to Parma for their clash with Zebre.
URC Round 1 fixtures
Friday, 25 September 2026
- Benetton vs Dragons RFC – 20:45 SAST, Stadio Monigo
- Connacht vs Stormers – 20:45 SAST, Dexcom Stadium
- Ulster vs Edinburgh – 20:45 SAST, Affidea Stadium
Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Lions vs Leinster – 13:30 SAST, 10bet Ellis Park
- Sharks vs Ospreys – 16:00 SAST, Hollywoodbets Kings Park
- Munster vs Glasgow Warriors – 18:30 SAST, Thomond Park
- Zebre Parma vs Bulls – 18:30 SAST, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
- Scarlets vs Cardiff Rugby – 20:45 SAST, Parc y Scarlets
With new arrivals, major departures and several international stars changing clubs, the 2026/27 URC season promises to be another fascinating chapter for South African rugby.
