United Rugby Championship

Leinster run riot over Connacht to extend winning streak to seven

Published

5 months ago

3rd January 2026

Leinster v Connacht Rugby United Rugby Championship Sam Prendergast of Leinster scores his sides third try during the United Rugby Championship match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin 03 01 2026. Copyright: John Crothers (IMAGO / Focus Images)

Leinster extended their winning streak to seven matches with a commanding 52-17 victory over Connacht at a freezing Aviva Stadium, completing a clean sweep of their festive interprovincial derbies. After wins over Ulster at home and Munster in Limerick over the Christmas period, Leo Cullen’s side delivered a dominant second-half performance that saw them score 33 unanswered points to ultimately run out convincing winners.

Key moments:

4′ – TRY LEINSTER: Dan Sheehan scores in corner after quick penalty, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 7-0 Connacht)
7′ – TRY LEINSTER: Charlie Tector gathers loose ball after Sam Prendergast chip kick, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 14-0 Connacht)
7′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Paul Boyle replaces Sean Jansen (blood injury)
10′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Ben Murphy replaces Matthew Devine (HIA)
14′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Sean Jansen returns after treatment, Paul Boyle replaced
18′ – TRY CONNACHT: Dylan Tierney-Martin scores from tap penalty, Sam Gilbert converts (Leinster 14-7 Connacht)
26′ – YELLOW CARD LEINSTER: Joe McCarthy sent to sin bin for cynical offence
27′ – PENALTY CONNACHT: Sam Gilbert kicks penalty (Leinster 14-10 Connacht)
35′ – SUBSTITUTION LEINSTER: Andrew Porter replaces Jack Boyle
36′ – TRY CONNACHT: Finlay Bealham crashes over from close range, Sam Gilbert converts (Leinster 14-17 Connacht)
38′ – TRY LEINSTER: Sam Prendergast scores before half-time, conversion missed (Leinster 19-17 Connacht)
Half-time: Leinster 19-17 Connacht
Referee change: Keane Davison replaces injured Andrew Brace
44′ – TRY LEINSTER: Brian Deeny scores bonus-point try from close range, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 26-17 Connacht)
47′ – SUBSTITUTION LEINSTER: Josh van der Flier replaces Will Connors
50′ – SUBSTITUTION LEINSTER: Max Deegan replaces Diarmuid Mangan
50′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Paul Boyle replaces Cian Prendergast
51′ – SUBSTITUTIONS CONNACHT: Billy Bohan, Eoin de Buitlear and Fiachna Barrett replace Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finlay Bealham
52′ – SUBSTITUTIONS CONNACHT: Harry West replaces Chay Mullins
52′ – TRY LEINSTER: Tommy O’Brien scores after Sam Prendergast pass, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 33-17 Connacht)
59′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Darragh Murray replaces Joe Joyce
62′ – TRY LEINSTER: Charlie Tector scores second try after Sam Prendergast pass, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 40-17 Connacht)
63′ – SUBSTITUTIONS LEINSTER: Gus McCarthy, Luke McGrath and Jerry Cahir replace Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Thomas Clarkson
64′ – SUBSTITUTION CONNACHT: Cathal Forde replaces David Hawkshaw
65′ – SUBSTITUTION LEINSTER: Andrew Osborne replaces Ciarán Frawley
66′ – TRY LEINSTER: Tommy O’Brien scores second try after Charlie Tector intercept and offload, Sam Prendergast converts (Leinster 47-17 Connacht)
67′ – SUBSTITUTION LEINSTER: Conor O’Tighearnaigh replaces Joe McCarthy
75′ – TRY LEINSTER: Joshua Kenny scores from distance, Sam Prendergast misses conversion (Leinster 52-17 Connacht)
Full-time: Leinster 52-17 Connacht

The champions led by only two points at half-time following a thrilling opening 40 minutes that featured three lead changes. However, the second period proved entirely one-sided as Leinster’s attacking fluency, improved discipline and physical dominance overwhelmed a deflated Connacht side that has now lost three consecutive matches.

Job done! What a start to the new year! 🥳🎉#LEIvCON #NeverLessThanEverything pic.twitter.com/djBYPfjVIC

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 3, 2026

Doubles from Charlie Tector and Tommy O’Brien, combined with tries from Dan Sheehan, Sam Prendergast, Brian Deeny and Joshua Kenny, completed an impressive eight-try haul in front of 21,722 spectators at the Aviva Stadium, where temperatures plummeted to -2°C pitchside.

Prendergast’s crucial try just before the interval proved pivotal, restoring Leinster’s lead after they had fallen 17-14 behind during a purple patch for the visitors.

Leinster’s fast start gave no indication of the enthralling contest that would unfold during the opening period. The home province settled into the game through forceful defence, turning Connacht’s first attack back from a lineout before immediately establishing territorial dominance.

Will Connors shifted the ball to Tommy O’Brien after just three minutes, and the winger executed a gorgeous 20-metre pass to Dan Sheehan, who crashed over in the corner for his 48th Leinster try. Prendergast’s conversion opened the scoring at 7-0.

The lead doubled in the eighth minute when Prendergast caused chaos in the Connacht 22 with a chip kick behind the defensive line. David Hawkshaw failed to deal with the bouncing ball, and Tector pounced to gather and score under the posts. Prendergast’s simple conversion made it 14-0, and a one-sided interprovincial derby appeared inevitable.

However, aided considerably by Leinster’s ill-discipline, Connacht stormed back into the contest with impressive character and attacking quality. The hosts conceded 13 penalties in the opening period alone, with referee Andrew Brace whistling frequently at the breakdown as scrums descended into chaos despite his repeated warnings.

Connacht temporarily lost number eight Sean Jansen to a blood injury and Matthew Devine permanently to a head injury assessment, but showed brilliant passages of rugby to claw their way back. Dylan Tierney-Martin reduced the deficit to 14-7 in the 18th minute, taking a tap penalty from five metres and spinning out of a double tackle to reach over the line. Sam Gilbert converted expertly.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 26th minute when Joe McCarthy was sent to the sin bin for what Brace deemed a “cynical offence” at the breakdown close to the Leinster line. Gilbert kicked the resulting penalty to make it 14-10, and Connacht sensed opportunity against 14 men.

The visitors capitalised brilliantly on their numerical advantage. After clever offloading and intelligent running lines created space, Finlay Bealham barged over from close range following a neat switch play from a ruck. Gilbert’s conversion gave Connacht a remarkable 17-14 lead with five minutes remaining in the half, completing a stunning turnaround from their 14-0 deficit.

Leinster did not, however, allow Connacht to take that advantage into the dressing room. The hosts mustered a telling riposte in the dying seconds of the half. O’Brien, appearing off his blindside wing, released Kenny to scoot down the touchline, and when the ball was worked to the opposite side, Diarmuid Mangan battered his way through several tackles. From the subsequent ruck, Prendergast exposed Tierney-Martin’s inside shoulder for a smartly taken try that restored Leinster’s lead at 19-17, though his conversion drifted wide.

The score proved a crucial blow to Connacht’s confidence, with the momentum shift palpable as the teams headed for the dressing rooms.

The interval brought an unusual change, with Keane Davison replacing Brace as referee due to injury. The personnel switch coincided with a dramatic transformation in the match’s complexion, as Leinster emerged with renewed purpose whilst Connacht’s challenge evaporated.

A confluence of events transformed the contest after the break: improved discipline from Leinster, fewer transgressions at the breakdown under Davison’s interpretation, and a home side whose fluency and speed of thought and deed improved exponentially. What followed was something of an O’Brien and Tector masterclass, bolstered by high-quality input from a supporting cast that included impetus generated by the bench.

The procession began just four minutes after the restart when Brian Deeny reached for the line following excellent work from Tector, whose brilliant running line created space. Prendergast’s conversion extended the lead to 26-17 and secured the bonus point, effectively ending the contest.

Gibson-Park attempted an audacious crossfield kick to the onrushing O’Brien moments later, but the winger could not hold on despite being unmarked. It proved merely a temporary reprieve for Connacht, as O’Brien made amends in the 52nd minute. A sweet first-phase move from a lineout, using Tector as a distraction, allowed O’Brien to blast through contact and dot down under the posts. Prendergast’s conversion made it 33-17, and Connacht’s spirit finally broke.

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The champions were now in complete control, with Dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson and Jack Conan doing the heavy lifting in the forwards whilst Gibson-Park orchestrated proceedings at a metronomic tempo alongside the increasingly influential Prendergast.
Tector grabbed his second try in the 62nd minute after Prendergast delayed his pass perfectly off a dominant scrum, sending the centre through a gaping hole in the Connacht defence. Prendergast’s conversion pushed the score to 40-17, and the rout was in full flow.

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The centre was at the heart of Leinster’s seventh try moments later, making a superb read in defence to intercept a Connacht pass before sprinting towards the try line from long-range. Finn Treacy hunted him down, but not before Tector had offloaded brilliantly to the supporting O’Brien, whose stunning support line saw him run in his second try unopposed. Prendergast’s conversion made it 47-17 with 13 minutes remaining.

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Joshua Kenny completed the try-scoring salvo with Leinster’s eighth in the 75th minute, accelerating away from Bundee Aki on the touchline to gallop down the wing and outpace the cover. It was a deserved reward for the impressive work rate of Kenny, who scored his sixth try in just his fifth Leinster appearance. Prendergast’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but the scoreboard already reflected complete dominance.

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The home side’s second-half transformation was remarkable, with improved discipline, attacking variety and bench impact all contributing to the rout. The attacking fluency on display suggested Leinster are building momentum at precisely the right time as European competition looms.

For Connacht, this represents a seventh defeat from ten games this season and a third consecutive loss, with a familiar pattern emerging. Just as in recent defeats to Dragons and Ulster, they crumbled in the minutes before and after half-time, conceding tries either side of the interval as momentum swung decisively against them.

The western province competed admirably for 30 minutes of the first half, briefly leading 17-14 through their courage and attacking ambition. However, their technical and mental struggles during crucial passages proved costly, with poor offloads, missed lineouts and wayward kicks gifting Leinster possession that inevitably caused their defence to struggle.

The victory marked Leinster’s seventh in succession, a run stretching back to their defeat by Munster at Croke Park in October. After grinding down Leicester, Ulster and Munster in recent weeks, they showed greater attacking flair against Connacht, particularly in the second period, suggesting they are peaking at the optimal moment.

Jamison Gibson-Park was named player of the match following an outstanding display that set the tempo for Leinster’s dominance, though there were stellar contributions throughout the squad. The defensive work of Sheehan, McCarthy, Clarkson and Conan provided the platform, whilst Prendergast’s six conversions from eight attempts complemented his astute game management and try-scoring contribution.

The final scoreline proved harsh on Connacht, who had competed admirably for the opening 40 minutes. However, Leinster’s quality in depth and ability to execute under pressure ultimately proved overwhelming, as the defending champions demonstrated precisely why they remain the benchmark in Irish provincial rugby.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen emphasised the importance of Prendergast’s pre-half-time try: “It is huge, it’s just a totally different complexion. We scored some good tries, started the game really, really well, but then Connacht were in the ascendancy for a period. Obviously, we lose Joe McCarthy to the bin and then after being 14-0 up, suddenly we’re 17-14 down.”
Cullen praised his side’s composure during difficult moments: “We scored just before half-time after a bit of sustained pressure, which is great, Sam gets over. You’re going to have to weather these tricky periods in the game. We deal with what we deal with, and we showed good composure.”

The Leinster boss was delighted with the second-half performance: “We talked a little bit this week about making sure we prepare properly for a proper contest. I thought the bench guys all added in their own different ways in the second half, which allowed us to keep the pressure on and score five unanswered tries. We’re really pleased, but the big thing is making sure we enjoy being out there.”

Cullen highlighted the attacking quality on display: “I think the group managed the second half really well, playing the right areas of the field and some really good passages of play where we finished some really good long-range tries. We’re going to be turning the page quite quickly into Champions Cup now next week and there’s some good positive selection headaches even off the back of today and the last couple of weeks.”

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster also identified the crucial period: “The try before half-time was a real sucker punch and it was exactly the same against Ulster. So that period between the end of the first half and the first 10 minutes of the second half, those critical periods, championship minutes that people talk about, we’re not very good at, it’s fair to say.”

Lancaster acknowledged the technical and mental challenges facing his side: “We’ve got a lot of work to do to improve not just technically and tactically but also our mindset in those minutes. Because if you give Leinster possession through a poor offload, through a missed lineout, through a poor kick, then the weight of possession will inevitably cause any defence to struggle. And we did struggle in the second half on the back of that. Then you chase the game, the rush defence comes on and it makes a bad job worse.”

The former England head coach recognised the scale of the rebuilding project at Connacht: “When I went to sleep last night I was hoping we’d play like we did for that 30-minute period for the 80 minutes but we didn’t and I’m fully committed to what I’m doing at Connacht. I know it’s a different project, it’s a completely different project.”

Lancaster drew comparisons with his time as Leinster senior coach: “Connacht should be applauded for what they’ve done off the field in terms of building a new High Performance Centre, building a new stand, and when I’m coaching the young lads at Connacht they’re not at the same level as the development of these Leinster lads like Charlie Tector, Hugh Cooney… They were training with the senior squad three years ago when I was there. So they’ve had three more years of experience whereas I’m four months in, five months in, coaching Billy Bohan or Fiachna Barrett or Harry West or all these lads.”

Lancaster expressed his determination despite the painful defeat: “I’ll do everything I can to pass on what I’ve learned from my Leinster period. It was painful today but I still love the place, I still love the people, but I’ll be even more determined to try and get it right for the home game for sure.”

The Englishman acknowledged the developmental nature of his project: “I’m throwing them in at the deep end. You can’t wave a magic wand and take a team from here to here without the correct fundamentals within training and, if I go back to my time at Leinster, that’s what we did. We worked hard and we made mistakes and we trained under pressure… So that’s what I’ll do. I’ll just double down on training with intensity under pressure and making sure the skill set holds under pressure.”

Lancaster must now rally his deflated squad ahead of their Challenge Cup clash at Montpellier next Sunday. After two Challenge Cup fixtures, Connacht resume their URC campaign with the visit of Leinster to Galway for the official opening of the new stand at the Dexcom Stadium, followed by pivotal games against Zebre, Glasgow and Scarlets as they bid to secure a crucial top-eight finish.

Leinster turn their attention to Champions Cup action and a mouth-watering clash with La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium next weekend. The meeting represents a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 Champions Cup finals, though despite the recent domestic struggles of Ronan O’Gara’s side, the defending URC champions will surely expect a significantly greater challenge than Connacht provided once the second half commenced.

Leinster: C Frawley (A Osborne 65); T O’Brien, H Cooney, C Tector, J Kenny; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park (L McGrath 63); J Boyle (A Porter 35), D Sheehan (capt) (G McCarthy 63), T Clarkson (J Cahir 63); J McCarthy (C O’Tighearnaigh 67), B Deeny; D Mangan (M Deegan 50), W Connors (J van der Flier 47), J Conan

Connacht: S Gilbert; C Mullins (H West 52), D Hawkshaw (C Forde 64), B Aki, F Treacy; J Ioane, M Devine (B Murphy 10); D Buckley (B Bohan 51), D Tierney-Martin (E de Buitlear 51), F Bealham (F Barrett 51); J Joyce (D Murray 59), D O’Connor; J Murphy, C Prendergast (capt) (P Boyle 50), S Jansen (P Boyle 7-14, blood)

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) / Keane Davison (IRFU, second half)

Attendance: 21,722

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

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

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)