Juarno Augustus is following in the footsteps of a couple of South African greats by plying his trade in the Ulster Rugby back row, but he is rising to the challenge.

Springboks Duane Vermeulen and Marcell Coetzee both performed with distinction for the Irish province and now it’s Augustus’ turn to show his qualities having made the move from Northampton last summer.

The uncapped 28-year-old has had his bide his time, with an ankle injury keeping him out for some three months, but he returned in style against Edinburgh Rugby on the weekend.

Packing down at No 8, he produced a try-scoring Player of the Match display as Ulster triumphed 40-19 at the Hive Stadium to move up to second in the BKT URC table.

Now the ex-Stormers forward – nicknamed ‘Trokkie’ (small truck) for his hard running – will turn his attention to Friday night’s big Belfast derby clash with in-form Connacht Rugby at the Affidea Stadium.

“I am happy to be back. It means a lot,” he said.

“It’s been a while. I’ve worked a bit on my fitness.

“I base my game on physicality and carrying and tackling, so that’s what I want to try and bring to the team.

“I am just happy that I can give my best and try and help the team.”

Augustus has previously revealed how a conversation with countryman Coetzee helped him decide that joining Ulster would be a good move.

“I spoke to him last year before I came over and he couldn’t stop talking about the good things the club has done and what it can achieve in the next couple of years,” he said.

“I just want to get the best out of myself for the three years I will be here. I will do whatever I can to try to help the team get some silverware. I have a feeling it is not that far away. The potential in this team is unreal.”

Ulster trailed 19-14 at half-time against Edinburgh, but ran away with the game after the break, scoring six tries in all, three of them while down to 14 men.

“We needed the win. We haven’t won away from home in quite a bit, so we had to set things right,” said Augustus.

“We played against the wind in the first half and struggled a bit. We made some errors and kept them in the game.

“The message at half time was just to stay consistent and do everything with intent – tackle with intent, run with intent – and then just get the ball to our backs because they are incredible.

“We knew if we just stuck to our roles and did what we do best, we could win the game and we did that. The second half was good.

“It’s a good win for us, so hopefully we can keep building on that and take it forward.”

Ulster coach Richie Murphy was full of praise for the shift Augustus put in on his return to the team.

“With Juarno coming back, we had no intention of playing him for 80, but that’s what happens sometimes and he rolled his sleeves up,” he said.

“He’s a really good ball carrier.”

Reflecting on the bonus point win in Edinburgh, Murphy said: “We weren’t perfect, but I thought we showed great character and some of the tries we scored in the second half were excellent. The lads came out and delivered.

“It’s a really tough place to go, so we were delighted to come away with five points. We are up to second in the league as well, so it’s brilliant.”

Skipper Rob Herring added: “I was very proud of the whole squad. We started pretty slow, but we brought it back together, particularly in the second half when I thought we were brilliant. So I’m incredibly happy.

“Getting the away win was a massive target for us. We are second in the table now with a big block of rugby coming up and we’ll go into it with a bit of confidence.”

With six league matches still to play, Ulster have already surpassed their tally of points from last season, when they finished 14th in the table.

Giving his thoughts on the turnaround, head coach Murphy said: “We have got a little bit more clarity and belief in what we are doing and it shows on the pitch.”

The BKT United Rugby Championship returns as the Six Nations takes a breather, with all 16 teams in action across a blockbuster Origin Round weekend. Glasgow Warriors hold top spot on 44 points after their emphatic 31-20 victory over Munster four weeks ago, while Leinster sit four points behind in second having won their last 11 matches in all competitions. With the battle for play-off positions intensifying and the SA Shield race reaching a critical juncture, this weekend’s action promises drama across all eight fixtures.

The South African derbies take centre stage as the Lions host the Stormers at Ellis Park and the Bulls welcome the Sharks to Loftus Versfeld — both fixtures carrying enormous play-off implications. The Sharks have recalled a host of Springboks following last weekend’s 34-22 defeat to the Lions, while the Stormers seek to arrest a two-match losing streak that has seen them slip from top of the table to third.

League leaders Glasgow travel to Galway without more than a dozen Scotland internationals, handing Connacht a golden opportunity to end the Warriors’ nine-match winning streak. Munster face an unwanted slice of history at Thomond Park — a fourth consecutive home defeat would be unprecedented in the professional era — while Ulster look to rectify their Welsh away record against an Ospreys side unbeaten in four.

This weekend also marks Origin Round — the URC’s celebration of grassroots rugby. Players and officials will wear the socks of their childhood clubs, a poignant reminder that every professional career begins on cold, muddy pitches far from the bright lights.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#CARvLEI

• International trio Liam Belcher, Ben Thomas and Mason Grady return to Cardiff
• Max Deegan to captain the side on his 150th Leinster appearance

#EDIvSCA

• Boan Venter makes his 100th appearance for Edinburgh Rugby
• Wales international Josh Macleod returns to captain Scarlets

#LIOvSTO

• Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani named in Fidelity SecureDrive Lions starting XV
• JJ Kotzé makes his 50th appearance for the DHL Stormers

#BULvSHA

• David Kriel starts at full-back while Jan-Hendrik Wessels shifts from prop to hooker for the Vodacom Bulls
• Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs will earn their 50th cap for the Hollywoodbets Sharks

#CONvGLA

• Finn Treacy, Denis Buckley, David O’Connor and Sam Illo come into Connacht starting XV
• Alex Samuel returns in only change to Glasgow Warriors starting XV that beat Munster at end of January

#MUNvZEB

• JJ Hanrahan returns from a hamstring injury to start at out-half with scrum-half Paddy Patterson starting on his 50th appearance for Munster Rugby
• Giacomo Ferrari will captain Zebre Parma

#DRAvBEN

• Chris Coleman and Rodrigo Martinez return to Dragons RFC starting XV
• Andy Uren will captain Benetton

#OSPvULS

• Gareth Thomas is set to make his 150th appearance for the Ospreys
• Four Ireland squad members back in Ulster starting XV

Friday 27 February

Cardiff Rugby v Leinster Rugby

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff — KO 19.00 IRE & UK / 20.00 ITA / 21.00 SA

Form guide
Second meets fifth in a fixture that has produced some memorable encounters at the Arms Park — though the hosts’ record against Leinster makes for grim reading. Cardiff’s only victory over the Irish province at this venue since 2007 came in January 2022, a dramatic 29-27 triumph. Corniel van Zyl’s side’s last six matches in all competitions have all been won by the home team on the day, underlining the challenge they face against the defending champions.

Leinster have been imperious since their 14-31 reversal at the hands of Munster in Round 4, winning their last 11 matches in all competitions. Leo Cullen’s side sit four points behind Glasgow with a game in hand and their only loss on their last six visits to Wales was 22-16 to the Scarlets in April last year. They arrive without frontline internationals but possess depth that few can match.

Team news

The return of international trio Liam Belcher, Ben Thomas and Mason Grady provides a significant boost for Cardiff. Belcher captains the side from hooker, while fly-half Callum Sheedy orchestrates behind a pack bolstered by the return of Taine Basham at No.8. Tom Bowen — whose Origin Round story encapsulates the grassroots-to-greatness pathway this weekend celebrates — is among the replacements. The teenager began his journey on cold Wednesday evenings at Abercynon and Aberdare, and has emerged as one of Cardiff’s most exciting young talents.

Max Deegan captains Leinster on his 150th appearance for the province — a remarkable milestone for the number eight who has been a model of consistency. Robbie Henshaw returns after missing the opening three rounds of the Six Nations with a knee injury, while Harry Byrne has been released from Ireland camp to wear the number 10 jersey. Rieko Ioane starts at outside centre, with Jimmy O’Brien at full-back.

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

Leinster Rugby: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Joshua Kenny, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Ruben Moloney, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Fintan Gunne; 1 Jerry Cahir, 2 John McKee, 3 Andrew Sparrow, 4 Alan Spicer, 5 Brian Deeny, 6 Max Deegan (c), 7 Scott Penny, 8 James Culhane.
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Alex Usanov, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Josh Ericson, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Charlie Tector, 23 Andrew Osborne.

What they said

Cardiff Rugby Coach Corniel van Zyl: “It’s a big boost to get some of the internationals back. We’ve got some players we probably didn’t expect to be back, which has been a big lift. We have prepared well and are expecting a big challenge against a quality team. Their overall game is class. They’re known for getting energy from their defence. They attack very well, they’re very good at competing at the breakdown and their compete rate is high. But we have to concentrate on our game. We need to go for it by putting pressure on them and making them feel it like we did in the same fixture last year.”

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen: “We have a younger cohort but there’s some experienced guys coming back into the mix. Robbie Henshaw is back training with the group, as is Jimmy O’Brien. It helps us build depth. It looks to the future and all that good stuff. We just need to try and produce a better overall performance because we were too standoffish in the first half in our last game.”

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 59th league game)
AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)

Live on: S4C, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Scarlets

Hive Stadium, Edinburgh — KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

A proud night awaits at the Hive Stadium as Boan Venter makes his 100th appearance for Edinburgh Rugby — a testament to the South African-born lock’s commitment to the Scottish capital since arriving in 2018. Edinburgh have been far stronger at home this season, where their kicking game and defensive pressure tend to suffocate visitors. They sit 13th on 18 points and have not lost three consecutive home matches since January 2021.

The Scarlets arrive with just 10 points separating them from eighth place — a reminder that the play-off picture remains fluid. Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies has focused training on rediscovering the region’s attacking DNA following a good block of preparation. They sit 15th on 15 points but showed encouraging signs in their recent victory over Ulster.

Team news

Edinburgh welcome back Mosese Tuipulotu, Dylan Richardson and Marshall Sykes from injury, providing a timely boost to their pack. Captain Magnus Bradbury leads from No.8, with Venter’s milestone appearance at loosehead adding extra significance to the occasion. Harry Paterson starts at full-back, with the dangerous Wes Goosen at outside centre.

Wales international Josh Macleod returns to captain the Scarlets from openside flanker. Carwyn Leggatt-Jones continues at fly-half after his breakthrough performances, while Jac Davies provides the last line of defence. Jake Ball adds experience in the second row alongside Sam Lousi.

Edinburgh Rugby: 15 Harry Paterson, 14 Malelili Satala, 13 James Lang, 12 Mosese Tuipulotu, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Ben Vellacott; 1 Boan Venter, 2 Harri Morris, 3 D’arcy Rae, 4 Marshall Sykes, 5 Glen Young, 6 Ben Muncaster, 7 Dylan Richardson, 8 Magnus Bradbury (c).
Replacements: 16 Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, 17 James Whitcombe, 18 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 19 Callum Hunter-Hill, 20 Connor Boyle, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 Cammy Scott, 23 Piers O’Conor.

Scarlets: 15 Jac Davies, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Macs Page, 12 Joe Roberts, 11 Tomi Lewis, 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Archie Hughes; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Max Douglas, 7 Josh Macleod (c), 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements: 16 Harry Thomas, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Jac Price, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Ioan Jones, 23 Gabe McDonald.

What they said

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt: “It’s a proud moment for Boan and his family. Reaching 100 appearances for this club is a massive achievement that speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to the jersey over the years. Having key players like Mosese, Dylan and Marshall back from injury provides a timely boost, and there is always a special energy when we return home. Tomorrow night’s Origin Round adds another meaningful layer to the occasion. Seeing the players represent their home clubs by wearing their grassroots socks is a fantastic tribute to the communities that first shaped them as players.”

Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies: “We have had a good block of training where we have put a lot of work in, focusing a bit more on what I call our DNA and how we want to play. We know Edinburgh are one of the quickest starters in the BKT URC so that first 30 minutes is going to be key for us — how we manage the game and our accuracy is going to be really important. They are also a side who pride themselves on their scrum and lineout and that is the challenge for our pack to go and take the game to Edinburgh. With only 10 points between us and eighth place in the table, this is another massive game for us.”

Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU, 12th league game)
AR 1: Hollie Davidson (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)

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

Saturday 28 February

Ellis Park, Johannesburg — KO 14.30 SA / 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA

Form guide

The first of Saturday’s South African derbies pits two sides heading in opposite directions. The Lions arrive off the back of a morale-boosting 34-22 victory over the Sharks last weekend — a result that consolidated their seventh-place standing on 29 points and breathed life into their play-off aspirations. Ivan van Rooyen’s side have shown good form of late and will be desperate to make home advantage count.

The Stormers, by contrast, have lost their last two matches to the Sharks, slipping from top of the table to third in the space of a fortnight. John Dobson’s men remain on 36 points but must address the issues that have plagued them in recent weeks. They have lost just once at Ellis Park in recent years — last season — and even in that match came back to challenge at the death despite making a host of errors.

Team news

Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani earns his place in the Lions’ starting XV after Ruan Venter was ruled out with a head injury sustained against the Sharks. The Graeme College product slots into a formidable back row alongside captain Francke Horn and impressive performer Siba Mahashe. Quan Horn starts at full-back, with the electric Angelo Davids and Henco van Wyk providing firepower out wide.

The Stormers have a new captain in JD Schickerling, who takes over from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The loose trio of Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon and Evan Roos play their sixth match together — continuity that should serve them well. JJ Kotzé marks his 50th Stormers appearance at hooker, while Warrick Gelant starts at full-back. Connor Evans, Marcel Theunissen and new recruit Hacjivah Dayimani are all set to make an impact from the bench.

Fidelity SecureDrive Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg; 1 SJ Kotze, 2 PJ Botha, 3 RF Schoeman, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 6 Siba Mahashe, 7 Batho Hlekani, 8 Francke Horn (c).
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Erich Cronjé.

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer; 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 JJ Kotzé, 3 Sazi Sandi, 4 Adré Smith, 5 JD Schickerling (c), 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 8 Evan Roos.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.

What they said

Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys: “At the set-piece, there were a few things against the Sharks that we weren’t happy with. We scored a maul try, but then we conceded two maul tries, and at the scrum, we conceded too many penalties. Looking forward to the scrum battle. You want to test yourself against the best guys and obviously playing the SA teams, who have the strongest packs in the competition. Great to have that challenge.”

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson: “It was good for the players to get a short break and since coming back together we have done some really valuable work which we feel will stand us in good stead for the second half of the season. It is another South African derby this weekend against a Lions team that have shown some good form lately, so we will need to be as sharp as possible to get the result.”

Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 8th league game)
AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Stephen Geldenhuys (SARU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

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

Vodacom Bulls v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria — KO 17.00 SA / 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA

Form guide

Johan Ackermann is probably the last person who needs reminding about the Sharks’ long history of winning at Loftus against the odds. The Bulls coach was red-carded for throwing a punch inside 10 minutes of a September 2007 domestic clash — leaving his side with 14 men — yet the Sharks still walked away 26-18 victors. That memory, and last season’s defeats to both the Sharks and Stormers at this venue, will be driving the Bulls’ determination to restore Loftus as a fortress.

The stakes could not be higher. The Bulls occupy eighth place on 25 points, the Sharks tenth on 24. A victory for either side would be enormous — morally, strategically, and in the context of the top-eight race. The Sharks claimed a 21-12 victory over the Bulls in Durban just before Christmas, but that contest was tight until late in the second half.

Team news

The Bulls make several changes, most notably David Kriel moving from the bench to start at full-back in place of Devon Williams. Jan-Hendrik Wessels makes an unusual shift from prop to hooker. Springbok Canan Moodie returns to partner Harold Vorster in midfield, while the back three of Kriel, Sebastian de Klerk and Kurt-Lee Arendse offers genuine pace and finishing ability. Captain Marcell Coetzee leads from blindside flanker.

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has responded to last weekend’s 34-22 defeat to the Lions with wholesale changes — only seven players retain their place in the starting XV. Six Springboks return: Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi, Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi and captain Andre Esterhuizen. Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs will earn their 50th caps from the bench. Aphelele Fassi’s shoulder injury rules him out for six weeks, forcing Jaco Williams from wing to fullback.

Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 1 Alulutho Tshakweni, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 3 Morne Smith, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 7 Elrich Louw, 8 Nizaam Carr.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Stravino Jacobs.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 1 Ox Nche, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Tino Mavesere, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Thomas Dyer, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Yaw Penxe.

What they said

Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann: “The Sharks will test us on all fronts. They have quality forwards, a good set piece, power in the centres and speed out wide. It will be a great test for us, hopefully before a big home crowd.”

Vodacom Bulls loose forward Marcell Coetzee: “We want to play good rugby. The Sharks and the Stormers beat us here last season and we want to prevent a repeat of that. It always gives us extra energy to play here in Pretoria in front of our own people. But you mustn’t rely too much on Loftus and the altitude. It’s important for us to play well and reward the supporters who stand by us so loyally.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks Head Coach JP Pietersen: “What we identified after the Lions game was that there were 22 unforced errors. We were sloppy. We didn’t win the territory battle and only had 39 percent of the territory. Unfortunately, there were a lot of turnovers and knock-ons. This was an occasion where one plus one equals two — we can eliminate the opposition entries into our area if we are better at limiting turnovers and better in our overall execution.”

Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 21st league game)
AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

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

Connacht Rugby v Glasgow Warriors

Dexcom Stadium, Galway — KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

Form guide

Can Connacht end the Warriors’ remarkable nine-match winning streak? Stuart Lancaster’s men have home advantage, a raucous crowd, and significantly more availability than their visitors — but Glasgow’s system has proven remarkably resilient regardless of personnel. The hosts sit 12th on 21 points after a run of seven losses in 10 games, though they come into this tie off the back of a 31-15 win over Zebre in their last outing.

League leaders Glasgow have won their last two away games in the championship but have not won three in a row on their travels since April 2024. Franco Smith’s side sit top on 44 points, four clear of Leinster, and their only defeat in nine league matches was 23-0 at the Scarlets in Round 6.

Team news

Connacht are far less impacted by Six Nations call-ups, with prop Finlay Bealham their only notable absentee. Finn Treacy, Denis Buckley, David O’Connor and Sam Illo all come into the starting XV. Captain Paul Boyle leads from blindside flanker, while Josh Ioane continues at fly-half. The experienced Bundee Aki provides impact from the bench alongside Jack Carty.

Glasgow have been forced to name a side missing more than a dozen Scotland internationals. Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne, Huw Jones, Nathan McBeth, Kyle Steyn, Rory Sutherland, Sione Tuipulotu and Max Williamson are all retained by Gregor Townsend ahead of next weekend’s Six Nations clash with France. Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie miss out with injuries. Alex Samuel returns in the only change to the starting XV that beat Munster at the end of January.

Connacht Rugby: 15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Shane Jennings, 13 Harry West, 12 Cathal Forde, 11 Finn Treacy, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Caolin Blade; 1 Denis Buckley, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 3 Sam Illo, 4 David O’Connor, 5 Joe Joyce, 6 Paul Boyle (c), 7 Sean O’Brien, 8 Sean Jansen.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Victory, 17 Billy Bohan, 18 Jack Aungier, 19 Josh Murphy, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Colm Reilly, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Bundee Aki.

Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Stafford McDowall (c), 12 Kerr Yule, 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 Ben Afshar; 1 Jamie Bhatti, 2 Seb Stephen, 3 Murphy Walker, 4 Jare Oguntibeju, 5 Alex Samuel, 6 Euan Ferrie, 7 Angus Fraser, 8 Ally Miller.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Patrick Schickerling, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Macenzzie Duncan, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Jack Oliver, 23 Adam Hastings.

What they said

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster: “We’ve had a good break and opportunity to regroup ahead of an important run of games at home. The atmosphere against Leinster was incredible, and if the fans can replicate that energy again on Saturday, I know it’ll give all the players a huge lift. We’re under no illusions that we’ve a big task ahead of us. Glasgow have won nine on the bounce so are very well coached with quality across the pitch. But I’m also confident in our qualities both individually and collectively, so if we perform like I know we can for the full 80 minutes, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith: “Training has been sharp this week, as we prepare for our return to BKT URC action tomorrow afternoon. Connacht possess a squad that blends a physical forward pack with backs that can threaten from anywhere on the field and have welcomed back their internationals for this fixture — they pose a difficult proposition for any side in the competition. We are fully focused on our own performance levels, however, and we want to ensure that we put out the best version of ourselves possible tomorrow afternoon.”

Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 17th league game)
AR 1: Keane Davison (IRFU) AR 2: Chris Lough (IRFU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

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

Munster Rugby v Zebre Parma

Thomond Park, Limerick — KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA

Form guide

Munster cannot afford to make history for the wrong reasons. Clayton McMillan’s side have lost their last three matches at Thomond Park in all competitions — a run without precedent in the professional era. A fourth straight home defeat would represent a nadir in the province’s storied 145-year history. They sit sixth on 35 points, having won just one of their last four URC matches.

Zebre have lost their last nine league matches after opening the season with a pair of victories, sitting bottom on 12 points. Yet they arrive with nothing to lose — and the knowledge they shocked Munster 42-33 in Parma in September, ending a 21-match winning streak in the fixture. They have also claimed a rare win on Irish soil this season, edging Ulster 15-14 in Belfast in January.

Team news

Munster welcome back Ireland players Tom Farrell, Michael Milne and Edwin Edogbo from international camp and have made 10 changes to the side that lost to Glasgow last time out. JJ Hanrahan returns from a hamstring injury to start at fly-half, reuniting with scrum-half Paddy Patterson — who marks his 50th Munster appearance. Captain Jack O’Donoghue leads a back row completed by Gavin Coombes and Brian Gleeson.

Captain Giacomo Ferrari leads Zebre from No.8, with experienced Argentine Gonzalo Garcia at scrum-half. Giovanni Montemauri starts at full-back, while the midfield pairing of Damiano Mazza and Giulio Bertaccini provides solidity in the defensive line.

Munster Rugby: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Dan Kelly, 11 Shane Daly, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Paddy Patterson; 1 Michael Milne, 2 Niall Scannell, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 6 Gavin Coombes, 7 Jack O’Donoghue (c), 8 Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 John Ryan, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Tom Wood, 23 Seán O’Brien.

Zebre Parma: 15 Giovanni Montemauri, 14 Albert Einstein Batista, 13 Giulio Bertaccini, 12 Damiano Mazza, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Giacomo Da Re, 9 Gonzalo Garcia; 1 Juan Pitinari, 2 Giampietro Ribaldi, 3 Enrique Pieretto, 4 Matteo Canali, 5 Alessandro Ortombina, 6 Bautista Stavile, 7 Samuele Locatelli, 8 Giacomo Ferrari (c).
Replacements: 16 Giovanni Quattrini, 17 Paolo Buonfiglio, 18 Luca Franceschetto, 19 Guido Volpi, 20 Iacopo Bianchi, 21 Thomas Dominguez, 22 Martin Roger Farias, 23 Maro Zanon.

What they said

Zebre Parma Head Coach Massimo Brunello: “We’re fully aware of their strength and how determined they are on home soil. As in the last few matches, we’ll put in all the physicality and energy needed to stay in the fight and keep ourselves in the game right until the final whistle.”

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 95th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Max Weston (IRFU)
TMO: Colin Brett (SRU)

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

Dragons RFC v Benetton

Rodney Parade, Newport — KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA

Form guide

The Dragons have discovered something approaching form at Rodney Parade. Four consecutive home wins in all competitions — their best run at the venue since 2020 — have transformed the atmosphere in Newport. They sit 14th on 18 points but have shown significant improvement since the turn of the year.

Benetton have won just twice in the last six rounds of the URC, both against Zebre in December, and sit 11th on 21 points. Despite providing the bulk of Italy’s impressive Six Nations squad, they have underachieved domestically. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings with the Dragons, with the Welsh region’s most recent home success coming in January 2017.

Team news

Chris Coleman and Rodrigo Martinez return to the Dragons’ starting XV, with captain Angus O’Brien wearing the No.15 jersey. Rio Dyer provides pace on the wing, while the back row of Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall and Shane Lewis-Hughes offers physicality and breakdown presence.

Andy Uren captains Benetton from scrum-half, with the powerful midfield combination of Malakai Fekitoa and Paolo Odogwu capable of unlocking any defence. Matt Gallagher starts at full-back, with Jacob Umaga at fly-half. South African lock Eli Snyman provides lineout expertise alongside Giulio Marini.

Dragons RFC: 15 Angus O’Brien (c), 14 David Richards, 13 Fine Inisi, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Che Hope; 1 Rodrigo Martinez, 2 Brodie Coghlan, 3 Chris Coleman, 4 Levi Douglas, 5 Seb Davies, 6 Ryan Woodman, 7 Harry Beddall, 8 Shane Lewis-Hughes.
Replacements: 16 Oli Burrows, 17 Jordan Morris, 18 Owain James, 19 Barny Langton-Cryer, 20 Evan Minto, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Fetuli Paea, 23 Cai Evans.

Benetton: 15 Matt Gallagher, 14 Onisi Ratave, 13 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Rhyno Smith, 10 Jacob Umaga, 9 Andy Uren (c); 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Bautista Bernasconi, 3 Giosué Zilocchi, 4 Giulio Marini, 5 Eli Snyman, 6 Alessandro Izekor, 7 Jadin Kingi, 8 Riccardo Favretto.
Replacements: 16 Nicholas Gasperini, 17 Destiny Aminu, 18 Tiziano Pasquali, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Nelson Casartelli, 21 Cristiano Tizzano, 22 Filippo Drago, 23 Ignacio Mendy.

What they said

Dragons RFC Senior Coach Sam Hobbs: “We look forward to the challenge Benetton will bring. I think both teams are in totally different places right now to when we last played — it’s not a case of a revenge mission. We were disappointed with that result, but we feel it’s been put to bed with our recent performances, especially at home. It’s another challenge at Rodney in which the crowd and fans in the most recent block have been outstanding. They have boosted our performances by at least 20 or 30 percent and we can’t wait to get back out in front of them.”

Benetton Head Coach Calum MacRae: “The Dragons are a very strong team at home and will do everything they can to secure victory. We’ll have to put in a great match; it will certainly be different from our last match in the Challenge Cup.”

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 35th league game)
AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Marcus Caudle (WRU)
TMO: Paul Haycock (IRFU)

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

Ospreys v Ulster Rugby

Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend — KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

The Ospreys are unbeaten in their last four URC matches and have not gone five matches unbeaten in the competition since May 2019. They sit ninth on 25 points and have shown character in recent weeks despite off-field uncertainty surrounding Welsh professional rugby. Their only win in their last eight championship clashes with Irish opposition was the dramatic 43-40 victory over Connacht at Swansea.com Stadium in March 2025.

Ulster’s away record in Wales has been a source of frustration. Richie Murphy’s side have lost twice in the principality this season and their only win in their last four visits to Wales was against the Dragons in March 2025. They sit fourth on 36 points with seven wins from 10 matches and provided four of the 23 for Ireland’s Six Nations win over England last weekend.

Team news

Gareth Thomas marks his 150th appearance for the Ospreys, starting at loosehead prop. Co-captains Sam Parry and Jack Walsh lead the side, with Leinster loanee Cormac Foley at scrum-half. Ross Moriarty adds experience to the back row alongside James Ratti and Morgan Morse. Iestyn Hopkins provides the last line of defence at full-back.

Four Ireland squad members return to Ulster’s starting XV — Michael Lowry, Iain Henderson, Nathan Doak and James Hume. Captain Henderson leads from the second row, with David McCann continuing his impressive form at No.8. Werner Kok provides pace on the wing.

Ospreys: 15 Iestyn Hopkins, 14 Dan Kasende, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Keiran Williams, 11 Keelan Giles, 10 Jack Walsh (co-c), 9 Cormac Foley; 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Sam Parry (co-c), 3 Rhys Henry, 4 James Fender, 5 Ryan Smith, 6 James Ratti, 7 Ross Moriarty, 8 Morgan Morse.
Replacements: 16 Lewis Lloyd, 17 Steffan Thomas, 18 Tom Botha, 19 Huw Sutton, 20 Harri Deaves, 21 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 22 Luke Scully, 23 Evardi Boshoff.

Ulster Rugby: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak; 1 Eric O’Sullivan, 2 Tom Stewart, 3 Scott Wilson, 4 Iain Henderson (c), 5 Charlie Irvine, 6 Matthew Dalton, 7 David McCann, 8 Bryn Ward.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Bryan O’Connor, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Marcus Rea, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Ben Carson.

What they said

Ulster Rugby Head Coach Richie Murphy: “We’ve been in Wales twice this year and lost twice. That’s something that we need to put right.”

Referee: Filippo Russo (FIR, 7th league game)
AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU) AR 2: Keith David (WRU)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

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

As he closes in on his century, try machine Scott Penny will be hoping there are many more appearances for Leinster Rugby to come.

The openside flanker is out of contract at the end of the season, but is loving his time at the province and his value to the team is readily acknowledged by coach Leo Cullen.

Penny will make his 99th appearance for the BKT URC champions when they take on Cardiff Rugby at the Arms Park on Friday night.

He has scored no fewer than 39 tries from his 98 games to date, providing further evidence of his prolific poaching with a hat-trick in the victory over Edinburgh Rugby in the last round of league matches.

“I am loving my rugby here,” says the Dublin-born 26-year-old.

“It’s great. It’s such a good environment, such a good bunch of lads. We are definitely one of the best, if not the best club in the world. Your learnings every day are just amazing.

“I’ve got to focus on myself at the moment and do what’s right for me, keep trying to get good game-time, put in good performances and I think everything works out after that.”

So, it’s pretty clear that he’s keen on staying on board at Leinster and his boss is hopeful on that front too.

“Scott is a great pro in terms of his organisation,” said head coach Cullen.

“He is such a good communicator and he’s very creative.

“He is such an integral part with tap penalty moves and pick-and-go close to the opposition line.

“He’s a key member of the group because of his professionalism, his leadership and how he communicates with everybody around him.

“We definitely see him as being part of the future here as well, so hopefully that will get sorted at some point in time.”

Penny’s second half hat-trick against Edinburgh saw Leinster turn around a 15-7 half-time deficit to claim a 28-20 bonus point victory and make it 11 wins in a row in all competitions.

“I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time,” he said, modestly.

“It was a very tough match. In the first half, we weren’t really up to the standard that we hold ourselves to and Edinburgh were really testing us.

“But it was a really good response in the second half. It was a great team effort.”

Now the attention turns to the Arms Park as Leinster look to continue a winning run which has taken them up to second in the league table.

“Everyone knows how competitive the BKT URC is. If you lose one game, you drop out of the top six,” said Penny.

“It’s so tight, you can’t let any games go to waste.

“We know how good Cardiff will be, especially at home. It’s a tough place to go. It’s a very hostile atmosphere, especially on a Friday night under lights at the Arms Park.

“It’s a big challenge. They are a good side with plenty of ambition in attack. You have seen over the last few years, their attack is lethal.

“We played them in pre-season and they opened us apart. They have a really good skill set and really good pace on the edges. They are very physical and they will go after our breakdown.

“If we are not on 100 per cent or if we are slipping up and making silly errors, they are going to be able to bite us.

“We need to focus on ourselves, get the physical part of the game right and then go on from there, taking it moment by moment.

“Everyone is buzzing to get back playing. For a few lads, it’s been quite a while. The excitement within the group has been brilliant.”