The BKT United Rugby Championship resumes after the autumn international window with eight compelling fixtures including three pivotal derby clashes. The South African season’s first coastal derby sees the Sharks host the Stormers in Durban, while Welsh rivals Cardiff and Dragons clash at the Arms Park. In Ireland, Ulster welcome table-toppers Leinster to Belfast for a historic interprovincial battle marking 100 years of rugby at Ravenhill.

Friday, November 29

Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Form

Glasgow Warriors have established themselves as genuine title defenders, sitting second with five wins from six matches (198 points scored, 114 conceded). Their only defeat came against Leinster (43-25) in round 3. They made history in their last outing, becoming only the second European side to win in South Africa this season with a 28-17 victory over the Stormers. At Scotstoun, they’ve won both matches this season, averaging 29 points per game.

Franco Smith (Glasgow): “We’re pleased to be back at home tomorrow night, as we look to hit the ground running in the second block of our season. The Scarlets have been in good form this season, and their mix of dynamic forwards and exciting backs can cause problems from anywhere on the field.”

Scarlets have transformed their season after a frustrating start that saw them denied at the death by both Benetton (34-31) and Connacht (13-12). Three consecutive victories, including a notable 31-25 win over the previously unbeaten Bulls, have lifted them to sixth place. Scrum-half Gareth Davies leads their attack with four tries, joint-top in the competition.

Dwayne Peel (Scarlets): “Glasgow are a team who play with high energy, high speed and it is a case of ‘expect the unexpected’ with them. It is going to be a big challenge for us, but one we are excited about.”

Team News

Glasgow welcome back seven Scotland internationals, with George Horne starting just five days after featuring against Australia. Three players are set for debuts – summer signing Fin Richardson at tighthead, academy second-row Jare Oguntibeju, and Macenzzie Duncan from the bench. The Warriors are without several injured players including Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Murphy Walker (neck), and Max Williamson (hand).

The Scarlets receive a major boost with Vaea Fifita returning from a knee injury sustained in round one. Blair Murray starts after an impressive Wales debut where he scored against Fiji. Ellis Mee makes his second URC start with Tom Rogers (calf) sidelined. Sam Costelow misses out through HIA protocols, with Ioan Lloyd deputising at fly-half. Five Wales internationals provide impact from the bench.

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Sebastian Cancelliere, Stafford McDowall (CAPT), Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Patrick Schickerling, Johnny Matthews, Fin Richardson, Jare Oguntibeju, Alex Samuel, Ally Miller, Henco Venter, Jack Mann Replacements: Grant Stewart, Allan Dell, Sam Talakai, Macenzzie Duncan, Gregor Hiddleston, Angus Fraser, Ben Afshar, Duncan Weir

Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas, Ellis Mee, Macs Page, Johnny Williams, Blair Murray, Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Max Douglas, Sam Lousi, Josh Macleod (CAPT), Dan Davis, Vaea Fifita Replacements: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Taine Plumtree, Efan Jones, Charlie Titcombe, Eddie James

Referee: Fillipo Russo (FIR, 3rd league game)
AR 1: Sam Grove-White (SRU)  AR 2: Ru Campbell (SRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (SRU)

Live on: Premier Sports, BBC Wales, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster v Leinster

Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.35  IRE & UK / 20.35  ITA / 21.35 SA

Form

Ulster (7th, P6, W3, L3) celebrate 100 years at Ravenhill with this historic fixture, which mirrors the first match played at the ground in 1924. They’ve been formidable at home this season with two wins from two, and notably defeated Leinster in both regular season fixtures last term – results that ultimately forced Leinster to travel to South Africa for their semi-final defeat.

Leinster have been the standout team this season, winning all six matches and accumulating an unprecedented 29 points from a possible 30. They’ve scored 185 points while conceding just 72, with their defensive work at the breakdown producing 43 turnovers. Their most recent outing was a 24-6 victory over the Lions, their only non-bonus point win of the season.

Leo Cullen (Leinster): “We need to make sure we understand the importance of every point. If you think, we lost our two regular season games against Ulster and if you win one of those games, then you don’t have to travel to South Africa for a semi-final.”

Team News

Ulster make five changes, with Nick Timoney released from Ireland duty to start in the back row. Stewart Moore returns at full-back in place of Ethan McIlroy, while Ben Carson partners Jude Postlethwaite in midfield with Stuart McCloskey remaining with Ireland. Scott Wilson makes his first start of the season at tighthead, while Tom Stewart returns from long-term ankle injury on the bench. The province remains without Iain Henderson and Tom O’Toole due to international commitments.

Leinster make 11 changes, with Jack Conan returning from injury to captain the side. Jimmy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour and John McKee all return from injury layoffs. September’s Player of the Month Charlie Tector partners Liam Turner in midfield, while Jack Boyle starts after involvement in Ireland camp. Diarmuid Mangan makes his first appearance of the season in the second row. The bench features a 6-2 split with World Cup winner RG Snyman included fresh from South Africa’s autumn campaign.

Ulster: Stewart Moore, Werner Kok, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Michael Lowry, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak, Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor (CAPT), Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney, Nick Timoney, David McCann Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andrew Warwick, Corrie Barrett, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, James Humphreys, Ben Moxham

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, Liam Turner, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne, Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath, Jack Boyle, John McKee, Rabah Slimani, Diarmuid Mangan, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Will Connors, Jack Conan (CAPT) Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Rory McGuire, RG Snyman, James Culhane, Fintan Gunne, Harry Byrne, Scott Penny

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 23rd league game)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU)  AR 2: Andrew Fogarty (IRFU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Live on: BBC NI, RTÉ Player, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

–

Saturday, November 30

Hollywoodbets Sharks v DHL Stormers

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

BKT United Rugby Championship, Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales 5/10/2024
Dragons vs Hollywoodbets Sharks
A view of the Hollywoodbets Sharks changing room ahead of the game
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Form

The Sharks (9th, P5, W3, L2) enter this first South African derby of the season with growing momentum, having won their last two home matches against Glasgow and Munster. They’ve scored 142 points while conceding 152 this season, with their only defeat in their last four games coming against Benetton (31-17) in Treviso.

John Plumtree (Sharks): “With the Springboks coming back to us, the challenge is integrating them as quickly as we can. When we get the momentum that we need, we are a pretty tough team to stop, especially at home.”

The DHL Stormers (13th, P5, W2, L3) face a crucial period in their season but bring an impressive derby record to Durban, having lost just once in local URC encounters since December 2021 – a 40-22 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria last March. They’ve notably never lost to the Sharks in URC competition, winning five straight after their first meeting ended in a draw in January 2022.

John Dobson (Stormers): “These South African derbies are always big occasions and this is a great opportunity for us to show what we are all about and rise to the challenge we will face in Durban.”

Team News

The Sharks field a formidable lineup featuring eight recent Springbok tourists including captain Siya Kolisi, Aphelele Fassi, Vincent Koch and Jaden Hendrikse, all fresh from South Africa’s victory over Wales. However, they’re without influential lock Eben Etzebeth through injury.

The Stormers welcome back Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu for his first appearance of the season following knee surgery, while Ali Vermaak also makes his seasonal debut. Springbok Manie Libbok provides fly-half cover from the bench, with Dan du Plessis captaining the side in front of an expected 20,000-plus crowd.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Jaden Hendrikse, Ox Nche, Dylan Richardson, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (CAPT) Replacements: Ethan Bester, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Trevor Nyakane, Corne Rahl, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emmanuel Tshituka, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse

DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis (CAPT), Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Herschel Jantjies, Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, JD Schickerling, Ruben van Heerden, Dave Ewers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen Replacements: Andre-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Keke Morabe, Louw Nel, Stefan Ungerer, Manie Libbok

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 24th league game)
AR 1: Christopher Allison (SARU)  AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)

Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Rugby v Dragons RFC

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA

Form

Cardiff (8th, P6, W3, L3) halted a three-game losing streak with a remarkable comeback victory against Ulster before the break, having trailed 19-0 before securing a 31-24 win. Their position in the top eight is precarious with just four points separating them from 12th place. At the Arms Park, they’ve maintained strong support with impressive attendances this season.

Matt Sherratt (Cardiff): “We are all really excited to get back on the pitch this weekend and there’s nothing better than a Welsh derby to do that. We are expecting another big crowd at the Arms Park and that passionate, home support can make a real difference.”

Josh Adams (Cardiff): “The turnouts we get here are brilliant. Running out here on Saturday, hopefully this place is packed to the rafters and pumping. It honestly does give you an extra five or ten per cent of energy when you need it.”

The Dragons (15th, P6, W1, L5) begin life under new interim head coach Filo Tiatia following Dai Flanagan’s departure. They face an unwanted record against Cardiff, having lost their last 18 league fixtures in this fixture – a decade-long run dating back to 2014. Their sole victory this season came against the Ospreys (20-11) in round 1.

Filo Tiatia (Dragons): “Local derby games are special. Players have an opportunity to face a local rival just up the road, so it’s exciting.”

Team News

Cardiff welcome back Josh Adams for his first appearance in six months following hernia surgery. Ben Thomas, who started all three autumn Tests for Wales, captains from centre, while Keiron Assiratti and Cam Winnett also return from international duty. Teddy Williams, second in the league for tackles (97), continues in the second row.

New Dragons coach Tiatia makes six changes for his first match in charge, with Angus O’Brien captaining from full-back. Wales internationals Rio Dyer, Aaron Wainwright and Rhodri Williams all return from autumn duty. However, they’re without injured captain Ben Carter. Shane Lewis-Hughes, second in the league for turnovers, starts in the back row alongside joint top try-scorer Taine Basham (4).

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Josh Adams, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas (CAPT), Harri Millard, Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies, Ed Byrne, Daf Hughes, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Thomas Young, Alun Lawrence Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Seb Davies, Alex Mann, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Gabriel Hamer-Webb

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CAPT), Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Lloyd Evans, Rhodri Williams, Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Matthew Screech, George Nott, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright Replacements: James Benjamin, Aki Seiuli, Dmitri Arhip, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Morgan Lloyd, Harry Wilson, Huw Anderson

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 103rd league game)
AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU)  AR 2: Mike English (WRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Connacht v Vodacom Bulls

Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA

Form

Connacht (5th, P6, W3, L3) have shown strong home form at the Dexcom Stadium, where their last outing produced a comfortable 31-7 win over Dragons. They’ve scored 163 points this season while conceding 160, with their attack proving particularly potent through Cathal Forde, who shares the league’s top try-scoring position with four touchdowns.

Pete Wilkins (Connacht): “The Bulls will be a massive challenge but one we’re looking forward to. They’ve quality across the field and have that typical South African mix of strength in the forwards and speed in the backs.”

The Bulls (3rd, P5, W4, L1) have been one of the season’s most impressive performers, their only defeat coming by a single point (31-30) against the Scarlets. They’ve already secured two away victories this term but face a challenging venue where South African sides have historically struggled – Connacht have won 10 of their 12 home matches against South African opposition in the URC.

Jake White (Bulls): “Playing away will always be difficult and this is an even more difficult place because of the conditions. Wind is a big factor here because of the way the stadium is situated and that influences the game strategy.”

Team News

Connacht make nine changes with several players unavailable due to Ireland duty including Finlay Bealham, Bundee Aki, and Cian Prendergast. Joe Joyce captains the side, with Dave Heffernan returning from international camp to start at hooker. Josh Murphy returns from suspension in the back row. Props Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo provide cover after recovering from injury.

The Bulls include Springbok stars Willie le Roux and Canan Moodie in their backline after the autumn internationals. Johan Goosen makes his first appearance of the season at fly-half. Fellow Springboks Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp and Cameron Hanekom provide impact from the bench. However, they’re without injured lock Ruan Nortje who returned early from South Africa’s autumn tour.

Connacht: Shane Jennings, Shayne Bolton, Piers O’Conor, Cathal Forde, Santiago Cordero, Jack Carty, Ben Murphy, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce (CAPT), Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, Sean Jansen Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, Shamus Hurley-Langton

Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk, Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier, Alulutho Tshakweni, Akker van der Merwe, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, JF van Heerden, Marcel Coetzee (CAPT), Cobus Wiese, Celimpilo ka Gumede Replacements: Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Cameron Hanekom, Keagan Johannes, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Stedman Gans

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 87th league game)
AR 1: Jonny Erskine (IRFU)  AR 2: Paul Haycock (IRFU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)

Live on: RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster v Emirates Lions

Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Form

Munster (12th, P6, W2, L4) play their first league game since Graham Rowntree’s departure as head coach. Their position in the bottom five represents a concerning start for the defending champions, having won just two of their opening six fixtures. They face a crucial period needing to make up ground, with their most recent match a 27-22 defeat to Ulster.

Jack O’Donoghue (Munster): “It’s an incredibly important game. There is no secret where we sit in the table. The Lions are an incredible team. We know how deadly they are off unstructured attack, with the way they play off turnover ball.”

The Lions (4th, P5, W4, L1) have been one of the season’s surprise packages, their only defeat coming against table-toppers Leinster (24-6). They’ve already secured two away victories this season but face a Thomond Park fortress where Munster have never lost to South African opposition in the URC.

Team News

Munster hand debuts to new signing Dian Bleuler at loosehead and former Ireland U20 captain Evan O’Connell in the second row. Alex Nankivell returns from injury to partner Tom Farrell in midfield, with Thaakir Abrahams also cleared to return on the wing. Tom Ahern drops out through injury, while Diarmuid Barron captains the side.

The Lions introduce WJ Steenkamp for his debut in the back row, with Marius Louw captaining from centre. They maintain consistency in selection with minimal changes from their strong early season form, though they’re missing several players to Springbok duty.

Munster: Mike Haley, Shay McCarthy, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams, Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan, Dian Bleuler, Diarmuid Barron (CAPT), John Ryan, Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes Replacements: Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan, Stephen Archer, Ruadhán Quinn, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Shane Daly

Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Richard Kriel, Henco van Wyk, Marius Louw (CAPT), Edwill van der Merwe, Kade Wolhuter, Morne van den Berg, Juan Schoeman, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Ruan Delport, Jarod Cairns, WJ Steenkamp, Francke Horn Replacements: Franco Marais, Morgan Naude, Conraad van Vuuren, Reinhard Nothnagel, JC Pretorius, Sanele Nohamba, Tapiwa Mafura, Erich Cronje

Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 40th league game)
AR 1: Keane Davison (IRFU)  AR 2: Padraic Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)

Live on: TG4 Player, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Zebre Parma v Ospreys

Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Form

Zebre Parma (16th, P6, W1, L5) have struggled this season, though their sole victory was an impressive 42-33 home win over Munster in round 2. They’ve been led by standout performer Geronimo Prisciantelli, who tops the league’s carry charts with 102 and is second for metres gained with 370.

Massimo Brunello (Zebre): “We played well, especially at home, and we want to bounce back. The players are in good shape and ready. It will take a disciplined yet aggressive defense.”

The Ospreys (14th, P6, W2, L4) ended a three-game losing streak by beating Edinburgh in their last outing at the Brewery Field. However, they haven’t won outside Wales since their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town last April. Morgan Morris continues to impress, leading the league in successful carries (37) and second for overall carries (89).

Toby Booth (Ospreys): “There’s not a lot between a lot of the teams in the URC, Zebre have always given us a tough game in recent years. They will be full of enthusiasm.”

Team News

Zebre hand a debut to blindside flanker Rusiate Nasove, while Bautista Stavile returns for his first appearance this season. The Italian side maintain their exciting backline led by captain Prisciantelli at full-back.

The Ospreys celebrate Keelan Giles’ 100th appearance but are without Wales duo Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan who are rested. Owen Watkin starts after limited involvement in Wales’ autumn campaign. James Fender returns from injury but they’re without Adam Beard who faces a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.

Zebre Parma: Geronimo Prisciantelli (CAPT), Jacopo Trulla, Giulio Bertaccini, Enrico Lucchin, Simone Gesi, Giacomo Da Re, Alessandro Fusco, Luca Rizzoli, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Ion Neculai, Andrea Zambonin, Leonard Krumov, Rusiate Nasove, Bautista Stavile, Giacomo Ferrari Replacements: Luca Bigi, Muhamed Hasa, Matteo Nocera, Matteo Canali, Giovanni Licata, Gonzalo Garcia, Giovanni Montemauri, Luca Morisi

Ospreys: Jack Walsh, Dan Kasende, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Owen Williams, Kieran Hardy, Garyn Phillips, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, James Fender, Will Greatbanks, Harri Deaves, Justin Tipuric, Morgan Morris (CAPT) Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Steffan Thomas, Ben Warren, Lewis Jones, Tristan Davies, Luke Davies, Iestyn Hopkins, Max Nagy

Referee: Ian Kenny (IRFU, 5th league game)
AR 1: Alex Frasson (FIR) AR 2: Alberto Favaro (FIR)
TMO: Colin Brett (IRFU)

Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Benetton

Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Form

Edinburgh (10th, P6, W2, L4) seek redemption after losing both matches to Benetton last season – 24-22 at home and 31-6 away. Their most recent outing was a defeat to the Ospreys at the Brewery Field. Ross Thompson leads the URC scoring charts with 43 points.

Benetton (11th, P6, W2, L3, D1) have shown improved form this season and hold the psychological advantage over Edinburgh from last term’s double. They arrive with several players fresh from Italy’s autumn campaign.

Team News

Edinburgh welcome back several Scotland internationals including Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, and Jamie Ritchie, who starts despite playing the full 80 minutes in Scotland’s victory over Australia.

Benetton pair Malakai Fekitoa and Marco Zanon in the centres, with several players rotated following autumn international duty. The experienced Agustin Creevy provides front-row cover from the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby: Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, Mosese Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson, Ali Price, Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Paul Hill, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (CAPT), Jamie Ritchie, Ben Muncaster, Magnus Bradbury Replacements: Patrick Harrison, Boan Venter, D’arcy Rae, Sam Skinner, Freddy Douglas, Ben Vellacott, Ben Healy, Ross McCann

Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Malakai Fekitoa, Marco Zanon, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Andy Uren, Nahuel Tetaz, Marco Manfredi, Enzo Avaca, Scott Scrafton, Eli Snyman (CAPT), Alessandro Izekor, Toa Halafihi, Riccardo Favretto Replacements: Agustin Creevy, Destiny Aminu, Tiziano Pasquali, Jadin Kingi, Simon Koroiyadi, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Leonardo Marin, Louis Lynagh

Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 5th league game)
AR 1: Jonny Perriam (SRU)  AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Tom Spurrier (WRU)

Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv