United Rugby Championship

Dragons demolish Connacht to end 15-month winless streak

Published

5 months ago

21st December 2025

Dragons demolish Connacht to end 15-month winless streak

BKT United Rugby Championship, Aviva Stadium, Dublin 27/9/2024 Leinster vs Dragons A view of BKT URC sleeve patch branding on a Dragons jersey Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Dragons climbed off the bottom of the BKT United Rugby Championship table with a stunning 48-28 demolition of Connacht that ended a 15-month league winless streak and left Stuart Lancaster’s side facing uncomfortable questions ahead of the festive derbies. The comprehensive victory marked the Newport outfit’s first URC win since the opening weekend of the 2024-25 season and their first back-to-back victories since October 2022.

Key moments

5′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Hugh Gavin replaces Shayne Bolton (injury)
10′ – TRY CONNACHT: Sam Gilbert scores after Sean O’Brien break, Gilbert converts (Dragons 0-7 Connacht)
17′ – TRY DRAGONS: Oli Burrows scores from quick tap penalty, Angus O’Brien converts (Dragons 7-7 Connacht)
25′ – TRY DRAGONS: Che Hope pounces on loose lineout ball to score, Angus O’Brien converts (Dragons 14-7 Connacht)
28′ – SUBSTITUTION DRAGONS: George Roberts replaces Oli Burrows (tactical)
32′ – TRY DRAGONS: Jared Rosser finishes after Rio Dyer break, Angus O’Brien converts (Dragons 21-7 Connacht)
40′ – YELLOW CARD CONNACHT: Paul Boyle sent to sin bin for collapsing maul
40′ – PENALTY TRY DRAGONS (Dragons 28-7 Connacht)
Half-time: Dragons 28-7 Connacht
40′ – SUBSTITUTIONS CONNACHT: Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy and Ben Murphy replace Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray and Caolin Blade (tactical)
42′ – PENALTY DRAGONS: Angus O’Brien kicks penalty (Dragons 31-7 Connacht)
45′ – PENALTY DRAGONS: Angus O’Brien kicks penalty (Dragons 34-7 Connacht)
50′ – TRY DRAGONS: Rio Dyer scores after Jared Rosser break, Angus O’Brien converts (Dragons 41-7 Connacht)
52′ – SUBSTITUTIONS DRAGONS: Jordan Morris, Cebo Dlamini and Shane Lewis-Hughes replace Rodrigo Martinez, Robert Hunt and Levi Douglas (tactical)
52′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Sean Jansen replaces Sean O’Brien (tactical)
55′ – SUBSTITUTION DRAGONS: Thomas Young replaces Harrison Keddie (tactical)
60′ – TRY DRAGONS: Che Hope scores second try after Rio Dyer assist, Angus O’Brien converts (Dragons 48-7 Connacht)
61′ – SUBSTITUTIONS DRAGONS: Rhodri Williams and Joe Westwood replace Che Hope and Aneurin Owen (tactical)
61′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Dylan Tierney-Martin replaces Dave Heffernan (tactical)
62′ – SUBSTITUTION DRAGONS: Huw Anderson replaces Angus O’Brien (tactical)
65′ – TRY CONNACHT: Cian Prendergast scores after Ben Murphy pass, Sam Gilbert converts (Dragons 48-14 Connacht)
66′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Jack Carty replaces Josh Ioane (tactical)
73′ – TRY CONNACHT: Cian Prendergast scores second try, Sam Gilbert converts (Dragons 48-21 Connacht)
81′ – TRY CONNACHT: Sean Jansen scores bonus-point try, Sam Gilbert converts (Dragons 48-28 Connacht)
Full-time: Dragons 48-28 Connacht

On a memorable night at Rodney Parade, Dragons delivered one of their finest performances in recent years, dominating Connacht with superior physicality, intent and execution across all facets of the game. Tries from Oli Burrows, Che Hope (2), Jared Rosser, Rio Dyer and a penalty try secured maximum points, with the hosts leading 48-7 before Connacht’s late flurry salvaged an undeserved bonus point.

For Lancaster’s men, this humiliation represented one of their worst performances in years. A near full-strength side was systematically taken apart by opponents who had gone 23 games without a league victory, raising serious concerns ahead of crucial fixtures against Ulster and Leinster over the festive period.

Early promise turns to nightmare

Despite losing winger Shayne Bolton to a quad injury in the fifth minute, Connacht made an encouraging start. The opportunity for the opening score arrived from a fine break from deep by flanker Sean O’Brien, and when Dragons back-row Ryan Woodman was penalised, the visitors kicked to the corner. After several phases, with Paul Boyle coming closest before being held up, Josh Ioane fed Sam Gilbert whose intelligent angled run inside got him over the line. Gilbert added the conversion to make it 7-0 after 10 minutes, marking the full-back’s first try in his fourth appearance for the province.

Embed from Getty Images

The early advantage proved illusory. Dragons responded with growing confidence, and after a surging run by number eight Harrison Keddie created sustained pressure, hooker Oli Burrows caught the defence napping to tap a penalty quickly and crash over under the posts. Angus O’Brien’s conversion levelled proceedings at 7-7.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 20th minute when Connacht, awarded a penalty in front of the posts, opted for the left corner. Inexplicably, Ioane’s kick sailed dead, squandering a golden opportunity to retake the lead. From that moment, the contest spiralled completely out of Connacht’s control.

Dragons dominance

The hosts seized the initiative with ruthless efficiency. In the 25th minute, a lineout ball was knocked down and bounced high before scrum-half Che Hope gathered possession and sprinted through a gaping hole from 25 metres to score. O’Brien’s conversion extended the advantage to 14-7, and Rodney Parade began to sense something special was unfolding.

The Dragons’ confidence was soaring. With Rio Dyer causing havoc down the left wing, they cranked up the tempo relentlessly. On 32 minutes, playing with penalty advantage, Dyer’s menacing run created the platform for Jared Rosser to finish brilliantly in the right corner. O’Brien’s third conversion from the touchline made it 21-7 with eight minutes remaining in the half.

Connacht were unravelling. Bundee Aki was held up and turned over as the visitors attacked from a lineout, and their desperation became evident as the clock ticked into the red. Having won a relieving penalty inside their own half, Connacht opted to keep playing rather than kick to touch. The decision proved catastrophic.

Dave Heffernan’s ambitious pass was intercepted by Fine Inisi, and though he was stopped short, Dragons earned a succession of penalties as they rumbled towards the line. When Paul Boyle, having slipped at the base of a driving maul, brought it down illegally, referee Ruairidh Campbell had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try and showing the yellow card. The Dragons trudged to the dressing rooms to a boisterous reception from the home crowd, leading 28-7 with the bonus point secured.

Second-half annihilation

Lancaster made four changes at half-time in a desperate attempt to stem the tide, introducing Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy and Ben Murphy. The substitutions made no difference. Within three minutes, Josh Murphy conceded a penalty at his first contact, and O’Brien extended the lead to 31-7 from 40 metres. Three minutes later, after Chay Mullins was penalised, O’Brien added another to make it 34-7.

The punishment intensified. On 50 minutes, after Jared Rosser made the initial break, Dyer carved a devastating line around replacement scrum-half Ben Murphy to score Dragons’ fifth try. O’Brien’s conversion pushed the score to 41-7, and at this stage, Connacht were staring at their heaviest defeat to a Welsh side since losing by 48 points to Scarlets in 2010.

There was a brief reprieve when Thomas Young’s try was disallowed for a forward pass by Dyer, but it merely delayed the inevitable. On the hour mark, Dyer turned provider, sprinting down the left wing before keeping his composure to put Hope over for his second try. O’Brien’s sixth conversion made it 48-7, and the rout appeared complete.

Embed from Getty Images

Too little, too late

With the game effectively over and Dragons having emptied their bench, Connacht finally showed some semblance of spirit in the closing stages. Captain Cian Prendergast crossed twice in an eight-minute spell, first reacting quickest to a ball popping out of a ruck following good work from Ben Murphy, then finishing off another close-range opportunity.

With the clock deep in the red and trailing 48-21, Connacht needed one more try for the consolation bonus point. A series of penalties gave them sustained possession in the Dragons 22, and Sean Jansen eventually powered over for the fourth try with the final play. Sam Gilbert’s conversion made the final scoreline 48-28, though the margin flattered the visitors considerably given they had trailed 48-7 with 20 minutes remaining.

Tactical analysis

Dragons’ victory was built on a platform of superior physicality and intensity that Connacht simply could not match. The hosts dominated the set-piece, particularly the scrum where they consistently won penalties, and their defensive line speed suffocated Connacht’s attacking ambitions throughout.

Tinus de Beer’s intelligent kicking game caused constant problems, repeatedly forcing Connacht back into uncomfortable defensive positions. The Dragons’ ability to capitalise on opportunities was ruthless – when Connacht made errors, the hosts punished them clinically.

For Connacht, the performance was riddled with individual errors, poor discipline and a complete absence of the physical intensity required at this level. Their handling was atrocious, with ill-timed offloads and passes failing to find their targets. The scrum creaked alarmingly, whilst their breakdown work was non-existent for large periods.
The province’s struggles were compounded by tactical naivety. Opting to kick a penalty dead when in front of the posts, and then choosing to play on with the clock in the red whilst defending a narrow lead in their own half, demonstrated poor game management that cost them dearly.

Outstanding performers

Rio Dyer was deservedly named player of the match, his electric pace and intelligent running causing Connacht constant problems. His try was a brilliant individual effort, whilst his assist for Hope’s second showcased his vision and skill under pressure.
Angus O’Brien enjoyed a perfect evening from the tee, converting all six tries and adding two penalties for a personal haul of 18 points. His game management and tactical kicking complemented the forward dominance superbly.

Che Hope was outstanding at scrum-half, scoring twice and providing the energy and tempo that kept Dragons on the front foot. Harrison Keddie, Ryan Woodman and the entire Dragons pack dominated the physical exchanges, whilst Jared Rosser and Aneurin Owen made crucial contributions.

For Connacht, there were precious few positives to extract. Cian Prendergast’s late double at least salvaged the bonus point, whilst Sam Gilbert’s try and conversion kicking were competent. Beyond that, it was a collective failure of significant proportions.

Post-match reaction

Lancaster pulled no punches in his assessment of the capitulation, describing it as “miles off” what he expects from his side.
“I’ve said to the boys in the changing room, we were miles off, miles off what I expect, miles off what we expect as coaches, what they expect of each other as players and we need to sort it out because we’ve got Ulster coming to our home ground just after Christmas,” Lancaster stated bluntly.

He acknowledged Dragons’ quality whilst refusing to use it as an excuse for Connacht’s shortcomings: “I thought Dragons were very good and we were very poor. We watched Dragons over the last couple of weeks, played really well against Leinster, street-fight against Lyon and we played Black Lion and it looked like we weren’t battle-hardened, ready for the intensity, the accuracy that they brought, the passion that they brought to play in front of the home fans and fight for every point. Now, we got a point at the end but it’s no consolation at all.”

For Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia, the victory represented vindication of the work his squad has been putting in through difficult times.

“We’re happy – it was a really solid performance,” Tiatia reflected. “The boys played a lot freer tonight which is pleasing to see, just based on our review on the things that how we wanted to play. The boys executed well. We’re trying to build a game that fans want to see, getting wins, and it is all part of the process.”

Co-captain Angus O’Brien praised the complete team performance that delivered such a comprehensive victory: “It was an amazing evening and an amazing result. Just testament to the work that all the boys have put in, everybody in the group really. We’ve shown glimpses of it at the start of the season, had some tough results, but I think tonight you saw a real complete performance, both sides of the ball.”

Looking ahead

For Dragons, the victory provides genuine momentum heading into the festive derbies. They face Cardiff at the Arms Park on Boxing Day seeking to end a 20-game losing streak against their fierce rivals that stretches back to April 2015, before hosting Scarlets on New Year’s Day.

“There’s no shying away, they’re two massive games,” O’Brien acknowledged. “Boxing Day is huge for us, we won’t get carried away whatsoever, I know we had a massive win last week and an even better win this week. Cardiff are in great form, they’ve been great all season but we’ll go into that full of confidence and rightly so.”

The home crowd of 4,188 witnessed one of the finest Dragons performances in recent memory, arguably their best display since stunning Munster in the first game of the Dai Flanagan era in 2022. The question now is whether they can maintain this standard against better opposition.

For Connacht, this humiliation represents a nadir in what has already been an inconsistent campaign. With just two victories from their opening six URC fixtures, they face a crucial Christmas period featuring home games against Ulster and away trips to Leinster.
Lancaster will demand a significant response from his players, but this performance has exposed serious deficiencies in physicality, discipline and game management that cannot be addressed overnight. The defeat also represented Connacht’s third loss to Welsh opposition this season, raising questions about their ability to handle the physical intensity that Welsh regions bring.

The contrast in emotions at the final whistle could not have been starker. Dragons celebrated a memorable night that has lifted them off the bottom of the table and given their supporters genuine hope heading into the festive period. Connacht, meanwhile, trudged off having suffered one of their most chastening defeats in years, facing uncomfortable questions and a challenging period ahead.

Scorers

Dragons: Tries: Oli Burrows, Che Hope (2), Jared Rosser, Rio Dyer, Penalty try. Conversions: Angus O’Brien (5). Penalties: Angus O’Brien (2).

Connacht: Tries: Sam Gilbert, Cian Prendergast (2), Sean Jansen. Conversions: Sam Gilbert (4).

Dragons: Angus O’Brien (co-capt); Jared Rosser, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer; Tinus de Beer, Che Hope; Rodrigo Martinez, Oli Burrows, Robert Hunt; Levi Douglas, Ben Carter (co-capt); Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Harrison Keddie.
Replacements: George Roberts, Jordan Morris, Cebo Dlamini, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Thomas Young, Rhodri Williams, Joe Westwood, Huw Anderson.

Connacht: Sam Gilbert; Chay Mullins, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo; Darragh Murray, Niall Murray; Cian Prendergast (capt), Sean O’Brien, Paul Boyle.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Hugh Gavin.

Referee: Ruairidh Campbell (SRU, league debut)

Related Topics:Connacht Gwent Dragons URC

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United Rugby Championship

BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final preview

Published

1 day ago

29th May 2026

rugbyisthegame

BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final preview

Stormers v Cardiff URC rugby in Cape Town, South Africa Damian Willemse of DHL Stormers in action during the United Rugby Championship (URC) match between the DHL Stormers of South Africa and Cardiff Rugby of Wales at the DHL stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 16, 2025. Cape Town South Africa Copyright: Matrix Images Nic Bothma (IMAGO / Matrix Images)

The BKT United Rugby Championship Finals Series begins this weekend with four quarter-finals across two days as the race for the title enters knockout territory. Connacht, Munster and defending champions Leinster are all in action, while three South African sides – the Bulls, Stormers and Lions – look to keep their campaigns alive on home soil or across the water in Dublin.

Top seeds Glasgow Warriors host an in-form Connacht at Scotstoun on Friday evening in what shapes as the most intriguing tie of the round, before a South African double-header on Saturday sees the Bulls welcome Munster to Loftus Versfeld and the Stormers host Cardiff at DHL Stadium in a rematch of the final regular-season fixture. The weekend concludes under the lights at the Aviva Stadium, where Leinster look to bounce back from their Investec Champions Cup final defeat by taking on the Lions.

Should all four home sides progress, the semi-final draw would see the Stormers travel to Dublin to face Leinster, while the Bulls would host Glasgow at Loftus Versfeld. However, upsets in Glasgow or Dublin would reshape the picture entirely, with the Bulls and Stormers eyeing home semi-finals should Connacht or the Lions spring surprises.

Glasgow Warriors v Connacht Rugby

Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Kick-off: Friday, 29 May – 19:45 IRE & UK / 20:45 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 51st league game)
Assistant Referees: Ben Breakspear (WRU), Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

Form

Glasgow locked in the top seed in the playoffs with wins over Ulster and Cardiff in their final two games of the regular season and have been formidable at Scotstoun, losing only twice in the URC at this ground since the start of the 2023/24 season – to Ospreys in March 2025 and to the Bulls in April 2025. Their only home defeat this calendar year came against Toulon in the Champions Cup quarter-final in April.

Connacht, by contrast, are the competition’s form team, having won eight of their last nine URC games to snatch eighth place after claiming just two victories in the first half of the season. Stuart Lancaster’s side have transformed their campaign in the second half of the season to secure both a playoff spot and Champions Cup qualification for next season. However, history is firmly against the visitors – Connacht have lost on all nine of their previous visits to Scotstoun since the Warriors moved there in 2012, with their last away win against Glasgow coming at Firhill in 2010.

Team news

Glasgow welcome back Scotland second row Scott Cummings for his first appearance since January after recovering from a calf injury sustained during Scotland’s Six Nations win over France in March. The British and Irish Lions international replaces the injured Gregor Brown and adds significant experience and physicality to the Warriors’ engine room. Patrick Schickerling starts at loosehead having been rested for last weekend’s away win at Ulster, while Matt Fagerson and Rory Darge both return to the back row having also missed the trip to Belfast. Jamie Dobie remains unavailable. Kyle Steyn captains the side, with Sione Tuipulotu and Stafford McDowall forming a powerful midfield combination.

Connacht are boosted by the return of hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin and lock Darragh Murray, both of whom come back into the starting XV after recovering from injury. Cian Prendergast captains the side from the back row alongside Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle, with Bundee Aki providing experience and physicality in the midfield. Josh Ioane continues at fly-half with Ben Murphy at scrum-half. The bench features a strong collection of finishers including the experienced trio of Dave Heffernan, Peter Dooley and Finlay Bealham in the front row.

Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Steyn (CAPT), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Kyle Rowe, 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne; 1 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Johnny Matthews, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Scott Cummings, 5 Alex Samuel, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Jare Oguntibeju, 20 Euan Ferrie, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Jack Oliver, 23 Ollie Smith.

Connacht Rugby: 15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Shane Jennings, 13 John Devine, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Shayne Bolton, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Ben Murphy; 1 Billy Bohan, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 3 Sam Illo, 4 Darragh Murray, 5 Josh Murphy, 6 Cian Prendergast (CAPT), 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 8 Paul Boyle.
Replacements: 16 Dave Heffernan, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Joe Joyce, 20 Sean O’Brien, 21 Matthew Devine, 22 Hugh Gavin, 23 Sean Naughton.

What they said

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith said: “Connacht will present a strong challenge tomorrow evening. They have a well-drilled squad full of talent, and come here as one of the most in-form teams in the competition. We are pleased to welcome Scott back into our matchday 23 after his injury layoff – he has worked hard and worked closely with our medical and S&C teams to put himself in the best possible position ahead of his return. We know the difference that the Warrior Nation can make, and we look forward to hearing them get behind the team at Scotstoun as we kick off the playoffs tomorrow night.”

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “This is exactly where we wanted to be at the start of the season, so credit must go to all the players for what they’ve displayed in recent months to get us to this position. Now we have to go out there and seize the opportunity. Glasgow are a formidable opponent especially away from home, with an array of talented players who are very well coached, but we are excited by the challenge ahead of us.”

Where to watch

Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls v Munster Rugby

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: Saturday, 30 May – 12:00 IRE & UK / 13:00 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 62nd league game)
Assistant Referees: Federico Vedovelli (FIR), Fillipo Russo (FIR)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Form

The Bulls have been in remarkable form since recovering from a bruising mid-season wobble that saw them lose seven games in a row across all competitions. Johan Ackermann’s side have won nine of their last 10 URC games and come into the quarter-finals with a winning streak of six matches in the competition, having also lost just once in their last 10 games overall – that defeat coming against the Stormers in the home derby. Captain Marcell Coetzee has spoken about the backs-against-the-wall mentality that emerged from those difficult weeks, insisting the squad have been in knockout mode for some time already.

Munster’s season has been a story of inconsistency. Having started the campaign with five wins from five in the URC, the province somehow needed three wins from their final four games to secure a playoff spot and Champions Cup qualification. They arrive in Pretoria without Tadhg Beirne and Jack Crowley among a lengthy injury list, but know how to win at altitude, having done so in 2024. The head-to-head between these sides stands at 3–2 in the Bulls’ favour from five meetings, with the most recent being a gripping 34–31 thriller at Loftus Versfeld in March that the hosts shaded after Embrose Papier crossed for a brace. Both sides have been ever-present in the URC finals across all five seasons of the competition.

Team news

The Bulls have loaded up with power and pace for the knockout clash. Ruan Nortje returns to the engine room for what will be his 150th appearance for the franchise, replacing Cobus Wiese who drops to the bench. Kurt-Lee Arendse moves back to the right wing in place of Devon Williams, while Stravino Jacobs returns on the left wing for Sergeal Petersen. Captain Marcell Coetzee returns from a bout of flu to take his place in the back row alongside Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw, with Jeandre Rudolph moving to an impact role from the bench. Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier form the halfback pairing, with Willie le Roux at full-back. The bench is formidable, featuring Springboks Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wiese among the forwards.

Munster have made just one change from the side that faced the Lions in their final regular-season fixture, with Alex Nankivell returning to the starting XV after his late withdrawal from that game. Craig Casey again captains the side from scrum-half, with JJ Hanrahan at fly-half in the continued absence of Jack Crowley. Tom Ahern and Evan O’Connell form the second-row partnership in the absence of Tadhg Beirne, while the back row of Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Brian Gleeson offers a blend of experience and dynamism. Fineen Wycherley is set to reach 150 Munster appearances if called upon from the bench.

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Cameron Hanekom.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Sergeal Petersen.

Munster Rugby: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Andrew Smith, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Seán O’Brien, 11 Shane Daly, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Craig Casey (CAPT); 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Niall Scannell, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 4 Tom Ahern, 5 Evan O’Connell, 6 Jack O’Donoghue, 7 John Hodnett, 8 Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: 16 Diarmuid Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Conor Bartley, 19 Fineen Wycherley, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 Ben O’Donovan, 22 Dan Kelly, 23 Alex Kendellen.

What they said

Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann said: “We’re looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd. We have tremendous respect for Munster, a team that has shown its pedigree and were champions two seasons ago. They have a rich history and a proud culture. We are privileged to be in the quarter-finals, and will hopefully put in a good performance.”

Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee added: “If you take me through the season, we were under pressure, and it kind of forced us to be in a knockout rugby mindset every week. So I think we got used to that pressure now, knowing what the task is at hand. They’ll always stay in the fight until the last minute. Munster in particular, they’ve got ways to break you down and disrupt your rhythm. We just have to counter that this weekend.”

Where to watch

SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

DHL Stormers v Cardiff Rugby

Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: Saturday, 30 May – 14:30 IRE & UK / 15:30 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 40th league game)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Andrew Cole (IRFU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Form

The Stormers enter the quarter-finals under pressure after an inconsistent run of form that saw them slip from a potential top-two finish to third place. John Dobson’s side started the season brilliantly and were unbeaten through early January, but have since won just one of their last five games – a run that includes a draw with Ulster, defeats to Connacht and Cardiff, and two losses to the Sharks. Their most recent outing, a 22–16 defeat to Cardiff at the Arms Park two weeks ago, was particularly chastening. However, the Stormers have been formidable at DHL Stadium this campaign, suffering only two home defeats, and have won both of their previous home quarter-finals in 2022 and 2023.

Cardiff arrive in Cape Town having achieved something few predicted at the start of the season. This is their first time making the playoffs of any iteration of this competition since 2002/03, made all the more remarkable given head coach Matt Sherratt departed a week before the season started, with Corniel van Zyl stepping up from forwards coach. The Welsh side won 11 of 18 URC games and never dropped out of the top eight all season, with their home form at Cardiff Arms Park the foundation – 10 wins from 11 in all competitions. Their weakness has been on the road, with just one URC win outside Wales all season, at Zebre in November. Still, they arrive with the confidence of that victory over the Stormers fresh in the memory.

Team news

The Stormers are boosted by the return of several key players. Regular captain Ruhan Nel returns from injury to lead the side from inside centre, while the pacy Seabelo Senatla is back on the right wing. Both full-back Damian Willemse and wing Leolin Zas were doubts after a collision in training on Wednesday but have been declared fit to start. Up front, the pack that dominated the scrum against Cardiff is retained, with the changes coming on the bench where Vernon Matongo, whom Dobson expects to become a top Springbok, returns from injury, and Ruan Ackermann – son of Bulls head coach Johan – is available for the first time since his influential display in the narrow win over the Bulls in early January. Salmaan Moerat also returns to the bench and could be playing his last home game as a Stormer before departing for La Rochelle. Lock Ruben van Heerden, also heading to France, starts in what could be his DHL Stadium swan song.

Cardiff make four changes to the side that beat the Stormers in the Arms Park. Josh Adams returns to fitness and takes his place on the left wing, while influential lock Josh McNally comes into the second row. Props Rhys Barratt and Keiron Assiratti are introduced in the front row, with Liam Belcher captaining the side from hooker. The coaches opt for six forwards on the bench. Wales flanker Alex Mann and wing Mason Grady were considered for selection after returning from injury but neither features in the matchday 23.

DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (CAPT), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan; 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 3 Neethling Fouché, 4 Adré Smith, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 8 Evan Roos.
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Jurie Matthee.

Cardiff Rugby: 15 Cam Winnett, 14 Jacob Beetham, 13 Ben Thomas, 12 Rory Jennings, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Johan Mulder; 1 Rhys Barratt, 2 Liam Belcher (CAPT), 3 Keiron Assiratti, 4 Josh McNally, 5 Rory Thornton, 6 James Botham, 7 Dan Thomas, 8 Taine Basham.
Replacements: 16 Daf Hughes, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 George Nott, 20 Alun Lawrence, 21 Evan Lloyd, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Tom Bowen.

What they said

DHL Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said: “Absolutely, this is a game that we need to show our true colours. We started off the season really well but this game will determine if we are still the team that was so good in the early part of the season or whether we have a lot of work to do to set things right before the next season starts. This calendar year, since the Bulls game in early January, we have been inconsistent and it has understandably led to questions about our game and how we are tracking.”

Stormers captain Ruhan Nel warned against complacency: “If there’s any sort of comfort or relaxation because they’re coming to our turf, it’s a given win for us – that’s completely the wrong mentality. They beat us fair and square, not because of the pitch but because we were outplayed, and we are fully aware of the danger that Cardiff bring and how good they are.”

Cardiff Rugby coach Corniel van Zyl said: “The pressure was on us last time out at Cardiff Arms Park, but I think that has obviously shifted back onto them a little now. If we can start well and apply pressure through what we do best – scoring points – then we can put them under pressure. That is ultimately the only way we can impose ourselves on them.”

Cardiff wing Josh Adams added: “We haven’t just crept into these play-offs, let’s be straight. We finished sixth and didn’t drop out of the top eight all season. We have finished sixth with all the uncertainty in Welsh rugby over the past 12 months – or longer – and how we have kept our focus and been disciplined in what we want to achieve has been excellent.”

Where to watch

SuperSport, S4C, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Leinster Rugby v Fidelity SecureDrive Lions

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: Saturday, 30 May – 20:00 IRE & UK / 21:00 ITA & SA
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 63rd league game)
Assistant Referees: Hollie Davidson (SRU), Ru Campbell (SRU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

Form

Leinster’s quarter-final arrives just one week after their Investec Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux-Béglès, a heavy 41–19 loss that extended their agonising run to five European final defeats in six years. Leo Cullen’s side are now chasing the URC title as the one piece of silverware that can salvage a season of near-misses. Despite that European setback, Leinster’s domestic record has been strong – they finished second in the regular season, have won all five of their previous URC quarter-final appearances, and are making their eleventh successive appearance in the competition’s playoffs. They have not lost at the Aviva Stadium this season.

The Lions are making their first-ever URC playoff appearance at the fifth time of asking, a landmark moment for Ivan van Rooyen’s side. The Johannesburgers have remained in Ireland since the conclusion of the regular season to maximise preparation time for this clash. While the Lions have scored 17 more points than Leinster across their 18 regular-season matches, they face one of the strongest defensive units in the competition. Their recent record in Ireland is sobering – the Lions have won just once in their previous 10 games on Irish soil, that coming at Connacht in 2024, and they were beaten 31–7 by Leinster in their Round 17 meeting just three weeks ago. The loss of key players Morne van den Berg (bicep), Ruan Venter (knee) and Asenathi Ntlabakanye (doping ban) weakens their squad significantly.

Team news

Leinster name a formidable side. James Lowe starts on the left wing and is set to earn his 100th Leinster cap, currently level with Shane Horgan on 69 tries for the province’s all-time try-scoring record. Hugo Keenan is at full-back, with Jimmy O’Brien and Rieko Ioane on the right wing and outside centre respectively, and Jamie Osborne at inside centre. Sam Prendergast continues at fly-half with Luke McGrath at scrum-half. The pack is near full strength with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan in the second row, and a back row of Max Deegan, Scott Penny and captain Caelan Doris. The bench is laden with internationals including Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park, Harry Byrne and Robbie Henshaw.

The Lions received a significant boost with captain Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk both declared fit after injury concerns following the loss to Munster. Richard Kriel has also been cleared through his return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion. With Morne van den Berg out, Nico Steyn starts at scrum-half with World Junior Player of the Year Haashim Pead on the bench. Erich Cronje comes in on the wing. JC Pretorius will bring up 50 caps for the Lions if called upon from the bench. The rest of the squad is unchanged from the Munster defeat.

Leinster Rugby: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jimmy O’Brien, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 James Ryan, 6 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 8 Caelan Doris (CAPT).
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Alex Usanov, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Robbie Henshaw.

Fidelity SecureDrive Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn; 1 SJ Kotze, 2 PJ Botha, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 4 Reinhard Nothnagel, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 6 Siba Mahashe, 7 Batho Hlekani, 8 Francke Horn (CAPT).
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Rynhardt Jonker, 23 Haashim Pead.

What they said

Leinster prop Andrew Porter said: “We’re incredibly lucky that we still have something to play for. We’re throwing everything into this weekend and there’s still a trophy to be won. We’re leaving no stone unturned this week. We want to have something to celebrate, that’s what we’re chasing. We’re chasing the URC trophy now and we have to throw everything into it.”

Lions flanker JC Pretorius, set for his 50th cap, said: “For me it is an honour and a privilege to get my 50th cap. Coming from Sevens I never thought I would get here and it actually arrived very quickly. I think Bordeaux made 250 tackles – that’s how you put teams under pressure. They like to play quick rugby so we need to be making the right choices at the right time and not going into a bad trap of getting stuck in the breakdown when the defence needs you.”

Where to watch

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United Rugby Championship

Special times for blond bombshell Dan Thomas at Cardiff

Published

2 days ago

28th May 2026

rugbyisthegame

Special times for blond bombshell Dan Thomas at Cardiff

Cardiff Rugby Dan Thomas // Photo Credit: Inpho Photography

For Dan Thomas, it’s been a special season with a special group and he’s now hoping for the perfect ending.

The flanker has had an outstanding campaign as he’s helped Cardiff Rugby reach the BKT URC Play-Offs for the first time, making more tackles (248) than any other player in the league and the second most turnovers (17).

His huge contribution has seen him recognised by his team-mates who have chosen him as the club’s Players’ Player of the Season.

Now the man with the flowing blond locks is looking to put the icing on the cake as Cardiff go in search of the BKT URC title, with a Quarter-Final clash against the DHL Stormers coming up in Cape Town this Saturday.

Thomas, who hails from a farming family in west Wales, moved to the Arms Park in the summer of 2024 after seven years with Bristol Bears and it’s proved to be a dream move for him.

“Having been long term at Bristol, I didn’t really know what to expect coming to Cardiff, but I’ve loved every minute of it. It has been really revitalising.

“It’s a great crack with the boys and I love the rugby we play. It suits my style and it’s very rewarding. We love throwing the ball around, plus we will never give up.

“I love the boys. It’s a special group and I hope we go forward and do special things.”

As for his award, he says: “It’s a huge honour to get voted by the boys. It’s a big thing for me. I am extremely happy.

“I feel good. I feel better when I play every week. This season it’s worked out pretty well.

“I have always prided myself on working hard and doing the things that don’t require talent well.

“At the end of the day, rugby is a simple sport. As long as I do my bit right, that’s all that matters.

“I knew coming to Cardiff, with the back rowers that were here already, it was going to be huge competition, but I feel that has helped me.

“I didn’t come here to cruise. I came here to push myself, to play rugby and have a smile on my face.

“It’s not every week the back row is the same, so everyone has been kept on edge. You have to play your best rugby, otherwise you miss out.

“It has driven us on to be better and obviously the results have shown that.”

The 32-year-old openside added: “At the end of the day, rugby is a short career and to enjoy it and put your body on the line with your mates every week is a special thing and a huge privilege.

“I’m going to try and play as long as I can because I love doing it.

“Rugby on and off the field is quite a special thing and the memories I make with the boys off the field mean just as much to me. I have loved my time here on and off the field.

“I am very thankful with how the season’s gone so far, but obviously the job is not done yet, so it’s on to the next one.

“It’s exciting and all eyes are on this weekend now.”

As for the trip to Cape Town, Thomas says: “We play in Scotland, we play in Ireland, we play in Italy, we play in South Africa, we play in France.

“We’ve all travelled enough now to know what’s happening and what’s coming. It’s not as if we are going to turn up there and say this is a shock.

“There is no excuse when it comes to travel or the body being sore or anything like that.

“As long as your mentality is up there, your body will catch up, so it’s about turning up on Saturday with the right mentality.

“There are no excuses, this is a great opportunity. How many boys have played in Quarter-Finals before? If you’re not up for it mentally, you shouldn’t be on the pitch.”

The last eight clash will be a rapid rematch as it was the DHL Stormers that Cardiff beat 22-16 at the Arms Park a fortnight ago to book their spot in the Play-Offs.

Looking back on that game, the Carmarthen-born Thomas said: “From minute one, everyone’s attitude was there.

“It wasn’t like ‘We will feel our way into the game and see where we are at 50’.

“It was ‘From minute one, we will take the game to them’.”

He concluded: “We were disappointed not to make the play-offs last year, so the hunger has been greater than ever this season.

“We wanted to be in the play-off mix because anything can happen then. You play rugby to win things. You want to win silverware.”

United Rugby Championship

Bulls 45–19 Benetton – URC Round 18

Published

2 weeks ago

17th May 2026

rugbyisthegame

BKT United Rugby Championship, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa 5/10/2024 Vodacom Bulls vs Ulster A view of the Bulls changing room ahead of the game Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Steve Haag Sports/Christiaan Kotze

The Bulls powered past Benetton with seven tries in a commanding 45–19 bonus-point win at Loftus Versfeld.

Key moments

3 mins – TRY BULLS: Canan Moodie breaks through and Handre Pollard sets up Sergeal Petersen for the opening try. Pollard converts. (Bulls 7–0 Benetton)

12 mins – TRY BULLS: Spellbinding play from Pollard opens up space and Willie le Roux takes full advantage. Pollard converts. (Bulls 14–0 Benetton)

18 mins – TRY BENETTON: Matt Gallagher sets up a wonderful passing move finished off by Louis Lynagh. Unconverted. (Bulls 14–5 Benetton)

28 mins – TRY BULLS: The Bulls maul proves unstoppable as Johan Grobbelaar powers over. Pollard misses the conversion. (Bulls 19–5 Benetton)

34 mins – YELLOW CARD BENETTON: Alessandro Garbisi is shown yellow.

37 mins – TRY BULLS: The pick and go results in a try for Cobus Wiese. Pollard converts to secure the bonus point. (Bulls 26–5 Benetton)

39 mins – TRY BENETTON: Rhyno Smith wriggles through a gap to score. Smith converts his own try. (Bulls 26–12 Benetton)

Half-time: Bulls 26–12 Benetton. The hosts in command with the bonus point already secured.

41 mins – TRY BENETTON: Matt Gallagher creates again and Louis Lynagh finishes for his second. Smith converts. (Bulls 26–19 Benetton)

56 mins – TRY BULLS: Stedman Gans plays a key part as Petersen scores a stunning individual try for his second. Pollard converts. (Bulls 33–19 Benetton)

62 mins – TRY BULLS: Mpilo Gumede breaks through the defensive line to touch down. Pollard converts. (Bulls 40–19 Benetton)

74 mins – TRY BULLS: Paul de Wet sets it up and Ruan Nortje scores from close range. Pollard’s conversion drifts wide. (Bulls 45–19 Benetton)

Full-time: Bulls 45–19 Benetton

Full match report to follow.

Teams

Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Devon Williams, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Ruan Nortje, 5 Cobus Wiese, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Cameron Hanekom
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Stravino Jacobs

Benetton: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Mattia Midena, 11 Rhyno Smith, 10 Alessandro Garbisi, 9 Federico Zanandrea; 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2 Bautista Bernasconi, 3 Tiziano Pasquali, 4 Federico Ruzza, 5 Lorenzo Cannone, 6 Manuel Zuliani, 7 Alessandro Izekor, 8 Toa Halafihi
Replacements: 16 Nicholas Gasperini, 17 Ivan Nemer, 18 Marcos Gallorini, 19 Niccolo Cannone, 20 Cristiano Tizzano, 21 Jadin Kingi, 22 Leonardo Marin, 23 Giulio Marini

Match details

Bulls 45 (Tries: Petersen 2, le Roux, Grobbelaar, Wiese, Gumede, Nortje; Cons: Pollard 5/7)
Benetton 19 (Tries: Lynagh 2, Smith; Cons: Smith 2/3)
Half-time: 26–12

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)