The BKT United Rugby Championship roars back into action following the conclusion of the Guinness Six Nations, with all 16 teams in action across a blockbuster weekend of fixtures. Glasgow Warriors hold top spot on 45 points, while the Stormers, Ulster and Leinster are locked together on 41 points in a thrilling race for play-off positioning. With just six rounds remaining until the knock-out stages, this weekend’s action carries enormous significance across the table.

The race to secure a top-eight finish intensifies as just six points separate seventh-placed Lions from tenth-placed Ospreys. Connacht sit level on points with the Bulls in ninth, while the Sharks face a near must-win encounter against Munster if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive.

This weekend also marks several significant milestones: Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg reaches 100 appearances for the Lions, Makazole Mapimpi celebrates his century of Sharks caps, while JJ Hanrahan captains Munster for the first time on his 155th appearance for the province.

Team news headlines

#BULvCAR

• Cameron Hanekom returns from injury for Vodacom Bulls for the first time this season
• Liam Belcher will captain Cardiff

#SCAvZEB

• Six of Wales’s Guinness Six Nations players return to Scarlets matchday squad
• Paolo Buonfiglio captains Zebre Parma

#ULSvCON

• Jonny Scott in line for senior debut for Ulster as four Ireland internationals return to the matchday squad
• Five players return from international duty to start for Connacht

#LIOvEDI

• Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg makes his 100th appearance for the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
• Scotland quartet return for Edinburgh Rugby

#SHAvMUN

• Luan Giliomee will make his debut for Hollywoodbets Sharks
• JJ Hanrahan leads Munster as captain for the first time on his 155th appearance

#BENvOSP

• Michele Lamaro captains Benetton with six Italian internationals returning to the matchday squad
• Jac Morgan named on Ospreys bench upon his return from injury

#GLAvLEI

• 11 players who were involved with senior Scotland setup during Six Nations return to Glasgow Warriors matchday squad; Johnny Ventisei is set for professional debut at outside centre
• Scott Penny in line to earn his 100th Leinster cap off the bench with Hugo Keenan making his first appearance of the season on return from injury

#STOvDRA

• Evan Roos, Seabelo Senatla and Dan du Plessis return from injury for DHL Stormers
• Former Wales Under-20s loosehead Jordan Morris makes his first start for Dragons RFC

Friday 20 March

Vodacom Bulls v Cardiff Rugby

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria — KO 17:00 IRE & UK / 18:00 ITA / 19:00 SA

Form guide

The Bulls find themselves in a precarious position after their 32-19 defeat to the Stormers in Pretoria last weekend. Johan Ackermann’s side sit eighth on 30 points, level with Connacht in ninth, and just one point ahead of tenth-placed Ospreys. The men from Pretoria will draw inspiration from the fact they have suffered only two defeats at their Loftus fortress this season, while Cardiff have won only twice away from home.

Cardiff have been the surprise package of the competition, sitting fifth with 40 points having lost only four of their 12 matches. The Welsh region shocked Leinster with an 8-7 victory at the Arms Park three weeks ago, ending the defending champions’ 11-match winning run. The Bulls boast a far superior attack, with 83 points more scored than their opponents, but Cardiff’s defence has been among the best in the competition.

Team news

The most significant news from Pretoria is the return of Cameron Hanekom, who has been named on the bench after a gruelling nine-month injury lay-off. The 23-year-old tore his hamstring badly during the Bulls’ URC semi-final win over the Sharks last May and has not played since. His inclusion provides a massive emotional and physical boost to the squad.

The starting front row sees Francois Klopper stepping in for Wilco Louw at tighthead, while Cobus Wiese moves into the starting lock position alongside Ruan Nortje. Nizaam Carr earns a start at number eight. In the backline, Stedman Gans replaces the concussed Harold Vorster at inside centre, while Cheswill Jooste comes in on the wing for the injured Sebastian de Klerk, whose season has been ended by a Lisfranc foot injury.

Cardiff name an unchanged starting XV from the side that beat Leinster. Captain Liam Belcher packs down in the front row between Rhys Barratt and Javan Sebastian. The return of Wales internationals Sam Wainwright, James Botham and Taulupe Faletau to the bench provides significant cover. Faletau makes his first appearance since suffering a calf injury on New Year’s Day.

Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Stedman Gans, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 1 Gerhard Steenekamp, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Francois Klopper, 4 Cobus Wiese, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Nizaam Carr.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Jeandre Rudolph, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Willie le Roux.

Cardiff Rugby: 15 Cam Winnett, 14 Mason Grady, 13 Harri Millard, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Jacob Beetham, 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 Sam Wainwright, 19 Rory Thornton, 20 James Botham, 21 Taulupe Faletau, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Ioan Lloyd.

What they said

Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann: “We haven’t really worked out where we can finish. We just want to get into the play-offs. The fact that we lost to the Stormers, we haven’t got the luxury to think where we are going to finish. We must just make sure that we are in the top eight. I told the players, we can’t control the future, we can’t change the past, but we can only control tomorrow and let’s make sure we arrive here ready to put in a good performance.”

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl: “We are really looking forward to Friday and what will undoubtedly be a big challenge at Loftus. The Bulls are a quality team, who are really physical and really dangerous, and they will be smarting following last week’s loss. So we are expecting to see the very best of the Bulls on Friday but we have prepared well. We will fight for each other and the jersey, trying to put as much of our game on the pitch as possible. The table looks good at the moment but a lot can change in this competition. We are just focusing on one game at a time.”

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 36th league game)
AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

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

Scarlets v Zebre Parma

Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli — KO 19:45 IRE & UK / 20:45 ITA / 21:45 SA

Form guide

The Scarlets arrive at this fixture with obvious frustrations after failing to capitalise on winning positions in their last two games against Edinburgh and Connacht. Nigel Davies’s side sit 15th on 16 points and have won just three of their 12 matches this season. However, they boast a perfect record against Zebre, winning all five previous meetings with an average winning margin of 19 points.

Zebre occupy the basement of the table with just 12 points from their 12 matches. The Italian side have lost their last three fixtures but showed encouraging signs in their recent draw with the Dragons. They have not won in Wales since 2019 and face a considerable challenge against a Scarlets side bolstered by the return of their Six Nations contingent.

Team news

Six of Wales’s Guinness Six Nations players return to the Scarlets matchday squad, providing a significant boost after the international window. Captain Josh Macleod leads from openside flanker, with Carwyn Leggatt-Jones continuing his breakthrough season at fly-half. Blair Murray starts at full-back, with experienced duo Tom Rogers and Johnny Williams providing nous in the back three and midfield respectively.

Zebre Parma are captained by loosehead Paolo Buonfiglio, with the experienced Gonzalo Garcia pulling the strings at scrum-half. Giacomo Da Re starts at fly-half, while the back three of Mirko Belloni, Albert Eisten Batista and Simone Gesi provides pace and footwork.

Scarlets: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Macs Page, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Archie Hughes; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Archer Holz, 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Max Douglas, 6 Jarrod Taylor, 7 Josh Macleod (c), 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Henry Thomas, 18 Gabe Hawley, 19 Jac Price, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Joe Hawkins, 23 Ioan Jones.

Zebre Parma: 15 Mirko Belloni, 14 Albert Eisten Batista, 13 Marco Zanon, 12 Damiano Mazza, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Giacomo Da Re, 9 Gonzalo Garcia; 1 Paolo Buonfiglio (c), 2 Giampietro Ribaldi, 3 Enrique Pieretto, 4 Matteo Canali, 5 Alessandro Ortombina, 6 Bautista Stavile, 7 Iacopo Bianchi, 8 Giacomo Ferrari.
Replacements: 16 Giovanni Quattrini, 17 Juan Manuel Pitinari, 18 Ion Neculai, 19 Davide Ruggeri, 20 Davide Odiase, 21 Thomas Dominguez, 22 Martin Roger Farias, 23 Giulio Bertaccini.

What they said

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies: “There have been obvious frustrations with how the last two games against Edinburgh and Connacht have gone because I felt we were in positions in both matches to push on and get more out of them. Last weekend in Galway, Connacht won the gainline battle and we also weren’t clinical enough when we got into the red zone, but we have had a good week working on the skills we need to deliver in those areas. It’s been great to have our Wales boys back with us, they are in good spirits and I am also looking forward to playing at home again.”

Zebre Parma head coach Massimo Brunello: “We’re heading into the final stretch of the season, and we have plenty of extra motivation to perform. The players returning from the Guinness Six Nations have brought back energy and a strong desire to make an impact within the group.”

Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU, 13th league game)
AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU) AR 2: Max Clements (WRU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

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

Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby

Affidea Stadium, Belfast — KO 19:45 IRE & UK / 20:45 ITA / 21:45 SA

Form guide

Both sides come into this fixture off the back of bonus-point wins last weekend as they finally completed their postponed fixtures from Round 2. Ulster have been formidable at home this season, winning all seven of their games in Belfast, and sit third in the table on 41 points. Richie Murphy’s side remain one of the form teams in the competition.

Connacht have built momentum under Stuart Lancaster, winning their last three matches and pushing for a play-off spot. However, the western province are on a dreadful run of form in interpros, with 12 consecutive losses in derby games dating back to early 2024. Ulster have won the last four meetings between these sides and have not been beaten by Connacht in Belfast since the URC quarter-final in 2023.

Team news

Ulster welcome four Ireland internationals back from Six Nations duty. Iain Henderson returns to captain the side from the second row alongside Development lock Joe Hopes. Jacob Stockdale makes a rare start at outside centre due to a midfield injury crisis, partnering Ben Carson. Nathan Doak, fresh from making his senior Ireland debut against Wales, returns at scrum-half alongside Jack Murphy at fly-half. Tighthead Scott Wilson makes his 50th appearance in an Ulster jersey. Academy back Jonny Scott is in line for his senior debut should he be called upon from the bench.

Five players who were on international duty start for Connacht. Captain Cian Prendergast leads from openside flanker, with Bundee Aki – fresh off his IRFU contract extension – at inside centre. Dave Heffernan has recovered from a two-month calf injury to complete the front row, providing a timely boost. Finlay Bealham and try scorer Darragh Murray also return from Ireland camp.

Ulster Rugby: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Jacob Stockdale, 12 Ben Carson, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak; 1 Angus Bell, 2 Tom Stewart, 3 Scott Wilson, 4 Iain Henderson (c), 5 Joe Hopes, 6 David McCann, 7 Marcus Rea, 8 Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Sam Crean, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jonny Scott, 23 Ethan McIlroy.

Connacht Rugby: 15 Seán Naughton, 14 Shane Jennings, 13 Cathal Forde, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Finn Treacy, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Colm Reilly; 1 Billy Bohan, 2 Dave Heffernan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 4 Joe Joyce, 5 Darragh Murray, 6 Josh Murphy, 7 Cian Prendergast (c), 8 Sean Jansen.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Victory, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Sam Illo, 19 Niall Murray, 20 Paul Boyle, 21 Ben Murphy, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 John Devine.

What they said

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster: “We’ve been building some nice momentum this past month or two but tomorrow will be the biggest challenge yet in this block. Ulster have been very strong this season and their home form is also impressive, but we are excited about the game and what lies ahead. It’s great to welcome the five players back from international duty, while Heff’s return is also welcome because he was in great form before his injury. These interpros are always intense and physical, so I’m expecting more of the same from both sides tomorrow.”

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 96th league game)
AR 1: Max Weston (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU)
TMO: Finlay Brown (SRU)

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

Saturday 21 March

Fidelity SecureDrive Lions v Edinburgh Rugby

Ellis Park, Johannesburg — KO 12:45 IRE & UK / 13:45 ITA / 14:45 SA

Form guide

This weekend marks a major milestone for the Lions as Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg prepares to run out for his 100th appearance for the Johannesburg franchise. Affectionately known as “Krappie”, the nuggety halfback made his debut in 2019 and has since developed into one of the Lions’ most influential players. The Lions sit seventh on 33 points and have built momentum after good wins over the Sharks and Stormers, fresh from securing the SA Shield.

Edinburgh arrive having been well beaten 40-19 at home by Ulster last weekend. The Scottish side sit 12th on 23 points and face a daunting trip to altitude. They have been bolstered by the return of four Scotland internationals from Six Nations duty, but will be without hooker Harri Morris, who has been suspended for five games following his red card against Ulster.

Team news

The Lions welcome back fellow Springboks Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who return to the matchday squad after missing the clash against the Stormers – Venter due to concussion protocols and Ntlabakanye following a family bereavement. Erich Cronjé switches from centre to left wing to replace the injured Kelly Mpeku, while Henco van Wyk returns to outside centre. Captain Francke Horn leads from number eight.

Edinburgh are boosted by the return of club captain Magnus Bradbury, tighthead prop D’arcy Rae, flanker Freddy Douglas and hooker Ewan Ashman from Six Nations duty. Centre Matt Currie returns from a hamstring injury to make his first appearance since January. Springbok loosehead Boan Venter – who will join the Lions next season – starts at loosehead, making for an intriguing subplot.

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

Edinburgh Rugby: 15 Harry Paterson, 14 Malelili Satala, 13 Matt Currie, 12 Mosese Tuipulotu, 11 Jack Brown, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Ben Vellacott; 1 Boan Venter, 2 Dylan Richardson, 3 D’arcy Rae, 4 Marshall Sykes, 5 Glen Young, 6 Ben Muncaster, 7 Freddy Douglas, 8 Magnus Bradbury (c).
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 James Whitcombe, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Callum Hunter-Hill, 20 Liam McConnell, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 Cammy Scott, 23 Piers O’Conor.

What they said

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen: “We are really proud of winning the SA Shield. But our work’s not done yet. In an ideal world, you’d want to do the majority of the business before we leave for Ireland. We don’t want to put ourselves in that position by going there and needing six, eight, or 10 points. That means the home games will be important for us to put us in a position where we don’t have to go there and need miracles.”

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt: “We’re excited to be out in South Africa, gearing up to play in an iconic stadium in Johannesburg. The Lions away is one of the toughest assignments in the league, as we found out last year, but we are well prepared and have picked a side that can get a positive result.”

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 47th league game)
AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Stephen Geldenhuys (SARU)
TMO: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)

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

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Munster Rugby

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban — KO 15:00 IRE & UK / 16:00 ITA / 17:00 SA

Form guide

Munster’s rematch with the Sharks has been circled in the calendar from a long way back, after their epic and controversial quarter-final meeting last year. A 24-24 draw in Durban saw a place-kicking competition required to separate them, with tempers rising during the shootout after some antics from Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse. Hendrikse misses out on this game with injury, while his nemesis that afternoon, Jack Crowley, is unavailable for Munster after the Six Nations.

The Sharks sit 11th on 24 points, six behind eighth-placed Bulls, and face a near must-win encounter if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive. King’s Park is the only South African venue Munster have not won at in the URC era, although they have drawn twice in four visits. A win for Munster would make it an Irish clean sweep against the Sharks this season, with Ulster, Leinster and Connacht all victorious against the South Africans earlier in the campaign.

Team news

Sharks coach JP Pietersen has made eight changes to his team, including the return of Siya Kolisi to the starting line-up where the Springbok captain earns his 50th cap for the franchise. There is a debut for 19-year-old Blitzbok star Luan Giliomee at fullback, filling in for the injured Aphelele Fassi, who is out for three months after a shoulder operation. Grant Williams starts in place of the injured Jaden Hendrikse, while Makazole Mapimpi celebrates his 100th cap for the Sharks.

JJ Hanrahan leads Munster as captain for the first time on his 155th appearance for the province and 150th game in the URC. There are six changes to the side that beat Zebre three weeks ago. Tom Ahern, Alex Nankivell and John Hodnett all return from injury to start. Academy flanker Seán Edogbo makes his third start for the province in a back row that also includes Hodnett and Gavin Coombes.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams; 1 Phatu Ganyane, 2 Fez Mbatha, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi.
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene.

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

What they said

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen: “We know what a challenge it’s going to be, but there is hope and belief, and a big drive to get results because we know we can’t afford any errors. At one point we felt we were comfortably ahead in that quarter-final, then they showed how good their team culture is, they always fight back. It’s going to be similar this time, a real tough contest and they’ll be motivated to come here and prove a point.”

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 60th league game)
AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Christopher Allison (SARU)
TMO: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

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

Benetton v Ospreys

Stadio Monigo, Treviso — KO 15:00 IRE & UK / 16:00 ITA / 17:00 SA

Form guide

Benetton are languishing in 13th place on 23 points despite providing the bulk of Italy’s impressive Six Nations squad – a position that has puzzled many given their international representation. The Treviso side arrive off the back of two consecutive draws against the Scarlets and Dragons and will be desperate to find a winning formula at home after two months away.

The Ospreys sit 10th on 29 points, just one point behind the final play-off spot. Mark Jones’s side are chasing their first play-off berth since 2019 and face a fortnight that will go a long way towards deciding their top-eight hopes before a trip to Ulster in the last 16 of the European Challenge Cup. They have seven members of the Wales squad back from Six Nations duty.

Team news

Wales captain Jac Morgan could make his first appearance since November when Ospreys take on Benetton. The flanker has been out since dislocating his left shoulder when scoring a try against Argentina in the autumn series opener. After missing the Six Nations, the 26-year-old British and Irish Lion is named on the bench. Sam Parry and Jack Walsh co-captain the side, with Reuben Morgan-Williams at scrum-half.

Michele Lamaro captains Benetton with six Italian internationals returning to the matchday squad. Malakai Fekitoa and Paolo Odogwu form a powerful midfield combination, while Jacob Umaga starts at fly-half alongside Andy Uren at scrum-half. Mattia Midena is set to make his debut from the bench.

Benetton: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Ignacio Mendy, 13 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Onisi Ratave, 10 Jacob Umaga, 9 Andy Uren; 1 Thomas Gallo, 2 Siua Maile, 3 Giosué Zilocchi, 4 Giulio Marini, 5 Eli Snyman, 6 Riccardo Favretto, 7 Alessandro Izekor, 8 Michele Lamaro (c).
Replacements: 16 Nicholas Gasperini, 17 Destiny Aminu, 18 Marcos Gallorini, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Mattia Midena, 21 So’otala Fa’aso’o, 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Matt Gallagher.

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

What they said

Benetton head coach Calum MacRae: “Ospreys are a good team that’s doing well. After two months, we’re back playing at home in front of our fans, and we’ll do everything we can to make them happy at the end of the day.”

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones on Jac Morgan: “He has put a lot into the Ospreys over the time he has been here, physically and emotionally. We want the whole thing to end on a really positive note. I can’t see anything other than a fully-focused, excited Jac Morgan wanting to go out on a high, and as a team we definitely want to do that.”

Referee: Ian Kenny (SRU, 8th league game)
AR 1: Federico Vedovelli (FIR) AR 2: Riccardo Bonatto (FIR)
TMO: Paul Haycock (IRFU)

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

Glasgow Warriors v Leinster Rugby

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow — KO 17:30 IRE & UK / 18:30 ITA / 19:30 SA

Form guide

First meets fourth in what promises to be the headline fixture of the weekend. Glasgow Warriors hold top spot on 45 points after winning nine of their first 12 matches, though their most recent outing saw them fall 15-10 to Connacht in Galway. The Warriors were 43-25 winners the last time these sides met in Scotland in October 2023, but that’s the only win for Glasgow in the last seven clashes between them. The league leaders boast a formidable record at Scotstoun, with just two defeats on home soil in all competitions since December 2023.

Leinster come into the game having lost 8-7 to Cardiff three weeks ago – a defeat that ended an 11-match winning run across URC and Champions Cup. Leo Cullen’s side sit fourth on 41 points and possess depth that few can match despite missing several frontline internationals.

Team news

Glasgow welcome back 11 players who were involved with the senior Scotland setup during the Six Nations. Johnny Ventisei, the former Scotland Under-20s captain, will make his senior professional debut at outside centre. Captain Stafford McDowall partners him in midfield, one of just two players who started on Leinster’s most recent visit to Scotstoun in October 2023. Josh McKay is the other survivor from that starting XV. Macenzzie Duncan starts at number eight in the week that saw him put pen to paper on a first-ever professional contract with the Warriors.

Hugo Keenan returns to make his first appearance of the season after scoring the decisive try in the British and Irish Lions’ series win over Australia last summer. Scott Penny is in line to earn his 100th Leinster cap off the bench. Alex Usanov makes his first Leinster start, while Luke McGrath captains the side from scrum-half.

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

Leinster Rugby: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Joshua Kenny, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath (c); 1 Alex Usanov, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 4 RG Snyman, 5 Brian Deeny, 6 Jack Conan, 7 Will Connors, 8 James Culhane.
Replacements: 16 John McKee, 17 Jerry Cahir, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Conor O’Tighearnaigh, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Scott Penny, 22 Fintan Gunne, 23 Ciarán Frawley.

What they said

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith: “We are pleased to be back in action this weekend, and we are looking forward to running out at what promises to be a sold-out Scotstoun. We haven’t welcomed Leinster to our home since October 2023 and it promises to be an exciting game for everyone. It goes without saying that Leinster has been amongst the standard setters in European rugby for many years, with strength in depth across every position and a squad filled with international talent that can cause problems for any team – we know we must be at our best to meet their level tomorrow evening.”

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen: “Our last game is the one that’s probably most at the forefront of my mind, unfortunately, as it was an 8-7 loss to Cardiff. We’re definitely keen to get out and see our lads play with a bit more positive intent against Glasgow than we did in our last game. That’s the way we want to play, that’s the way we’ve always wanted to play. Glasgow play a very similar style of rugby to what Scotland produce.”

Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 49th league game)
AR 1: David Sutherland (SRU) AR 2: Ciaran Stark (SRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

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

Sunday 22 March

DHL Stormers v Dragons RFC

DHL Stadium, Cape Town — KO 13:00 IRE & UK / 14:00 ITA / 15:00 SA

Form guide

The Stormers arrive in buoyant mood following their emphatic 32-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend – a result that revived dreams of the Cape side going deep in the competition. John Dobson’s men sit second on 41 points and have shown the kind of forward dominance that characterised their title-winning campaign. They have a six-day turnaround before hosting Edinburgh, so the biggest obstacle after the high of thumping their arch-rivals is complacency.

The Dragons sit 14th on 20 points and face a considerable challenge in Cape Town. Filo Tiatia’s side arrive off the back of a draw with Benetton and have shown improvement since the turn of the year. However, they have won just twice in 12 matches and have never beaten the Stormers in Cape Town.

Team news

Backline stars Seabelo Senatla and Dan du Plessis make their return from injury for the Stormers. Senatla is on the right wing, while Du Plessis resumes his longstanding partnership with captain Ruhan Nel in midfield – the second-most paired midfield in Stormers history behind De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert. Damian Willemse starts at fullback, while Evan Roos returns at number eight after missing last week’s game with a hip pointer injury. Marcel Theunissen shifts to blindside flank after his excellent performance in Pretoria.

Wales international hooker Elliot Dee makes his playing return after a six-month injury absence. Former Wales Under-20s loosehead Jordan Morris makes his first start for the club. Tonga international Fetuli Paea makes his first start since October, joining Aneurin Owen in midfield. Captain Angus O’Brien switches from fullback to fly-half, with Cai Evans taking the 15 jersey.

DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan; 1 Vernon Matongo, 2 JJ Kotzé, 3 Neethling Fouché, 4 Adré Smith, 5 JD Schickerling, 6 Deon Fourie, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 8 Evan Roos.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Dragons RFC: 15 Cai Evans, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Angus O’Brien (c), 9 Rhodri Williams; 1 Jordan Morris, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Chris Coleman, 4 Levi Douglas, 5 Seb Davies, 6 Ryan Woodman, 7 Harry Beddall, 8 Harrison Keddie.
Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Owain James, 19 Barny Langton-Cryer, 20 Thomas Young, 21 Niall Armstrong, 22 Jac Lloyd, 23 Fine Inisi.

What they said

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson: “We are back at DHL Stadium this week and want to make that count. Last week’s performance was very encouraging, but we need to build on that and keep moving forward. We have got some quality players coming back into the mix and we are excited to see how some of the combinations go in what should be a tough game against a good Dragons side.”

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia: “We know what’s coming. It’s a bit of a fortress at their stadium, they’re a proud nation, so it’ll be tough against the Stormers and a test we need to stand up to. We’re looking forward to the challenge and how we keep growing our parts of the game that we need to focus on. We have clear expectations of what we want to achieve while we are here. John Dobson has the same for Stormers in this game. So, it’s going to be a good scrap.”

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 114th league game)
AR 1: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU)
TMO: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)

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

Having provided the perfect response to those who had written them off, the DHL Stormers now have their sights firmly set on a top four finish in the BKT URC.

It’s been something of a rollercoaster ride for the Cape Town-based side so far this season.

They won their first ten matches in all competitions, but then lost four of the next five, including three successive league defeats to drop down the table.

As such, they were the underdogs when they travelled to Pretoria last weekend to take on a Vodacom Bulls side that had won four games on the bounce.

But John Dobson’s team proceeded to rip up the form book as they secured a 32-19 bonus point victory at Loftus Versfeld to move back up to second spot.

Now they head into a run of four home games in the BKT URC – against Dragons RFC, Edinburgh Rugby, Connacht Rugby and Glasgow Warriors – with belief restored.

“It’s so emotional rugby,” said Dobson.

“Just a month or so ago, one of the other coaches in the BKT URC said we were the form team in the world.

“We were a team that was unbeaten, there was a lot of hype.

“Then (after the defeats), it was what’s wrong with the Stormers, where are they going?

“We had a lot of doubt, a lot of questions, when you think about the noise around some of our players and that sort of thing. We were under a lot of pressure.

“Nobody gave us a chance against the Bulls. It’s sometimes good like that, especially when you go to a place like Loftus.

“It did help that people had written us off because we knew better than that.

“It’s true what they say. You are never as good as they say you are and you are never as bad as they say you are.”

Things didn’t start too well for the Stormers in Pretoria as they conceded the first score and found themselves down to 13 men after having two players yellow carded in the opening quarter.

But they weathered the storm and scored three second half tries to pull away and pick up maximum points.

“It was probably our most important win and our most dominant performance up there,” said Dobson.

“Our discipline was much better both in terms of the penalties conceded and how we applied ourselves.

“It was a big win for us because it’s not an average Bulls team, not a Bulls team in crisis.

“It’s a really good Bulls team – well led, well organised, a proper team with momentum and real class.”

Director of Rugby Dobson feels it was a pivotal result in terms of the Stormers’ play-off hopes.

“It’s massive. We can realistically think about the top four and a home quarter-final now,” he said.

“Teams don’t lose quarter-finals at home, not the Bulls, not us. That’s what our goal is now.

“If we hadn’t got that win on the weekend, it was out, I think. It’s still alive now.

“There were a lot of questions out there for us, but the belief is back in the changing room now.

“We’ve got a run of home games which we’d like to win all of them.”

Adding his thoughts, skipper Ruan Nel said: “After the three losses, our leadership group got together and had a long intense session.

“We had drifted away from the basics. It wasn’t broken, but it was just loose. There were just a couple of things we had to sharpen up.”

Reflecting on the four-try win at Loftus, he said: “The Bulls have got so many attacking threats. We were basically playing against a Springbok back line.

“I thought the patience we showed when we had 13 on the field was really great, it was exceptional. It’s a sign of maturity. The guys controlled that brilliantly.

“I was just really so proud. The way we stuck to our plan and continued to put pressure back on them, even with just 13 men on the field, was a true testament to our character and the hard work we have been putting in.”

As Josh McKay sets his sights on playing for Scotland, he is preparing himself by taking a deep dive into his adopted country.

The Kiwi-born full-back will become eligible for Gregor Townsend’s team under the five year residency rule this November having joined Glasgow Warriors in the autumn of 2021.

As his surname suggests, the 28-year-old McKay has Scottish heritage – which was one of the factors behind his move from the Crusaders – but not recently enough to qualify through family.

“I think it was like in the 1850s,” he explains.

“My grandparents’ grandparents were the ones who came out on the boats to New Zealand, so I obviously don’t qualify that way.

“It will be five years in November this year, so we will see what happens.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself. There is still a lot of this season to go and there is a whole new season quite a few months away.

“But if the opportunity did come around that would be amazing. International rugby is on everyone’s radar.

“It might not be the most conventional route, but I would be super proud if it all worked out. It would be massive.”

McKay was born in Christchurch and grew up in the town of Kaiapoi north of the city, beginning his rugby journey with the local team.

“I grew up literally across the road from the rugby club,” he says.

“I have got photos of a rugby ball in my hands pretty much from when I was baby, to be honest. There’s footage on the old video camera of me running round the back yard kicking balls at two or three years old.

“My old man played more than 200 games for Kaiapoi and I started there when I was four. My dad was my coach and coached me through until U11s.”

When he moved up to Christchurch Boys High School, his talent soon became apparent and he went on to captain the first XV from fly-half.

“I had a pretty handy team-mate in Will Jordan!” he reveals.

It was when he went to Lincoln University, about half an hour outside Christchurch, that he switched to the back three, going on to join the Crusaders Academy and play for Canterbury.

A spell in Dunedin with the Highlanders followed and he then rejoined the Crusaders before making the move to Scotland.

“I had never really considered leaving New Zealand until I got a phone call from my agent,” he reveals.

“I was actually salmon fishing down the river and he rang me and said Glasgow were keen to sign me.

“Obviously I am a McKay, so I have got Scottish heritage way back up my lineage, so I thought that was quite cool.

“The Crusaders, at the time, were absolutely stacked with outside backs and I was young. I wasn’t playing that much Super Rugby and I just wanted to play professional rugby week-in, week-out.

“So that was a big part of why I was keen to make the move. Glasgow were keen to sign me and I was keen to play more footie. It was really as simple as that.”

It’s a move which has clearly worked out well for McKay who has twice signed contract extensions, the latest of which takes him through to June 2028.

He was named Glasgow’s Player of the Season in the BKT URC title-winning campaign of 2023-24 and has now made more than 50 appearances for the club, consistently catching the eye with his counter-attacking.

“Scotland has become a home from home for me,” he says.

“I am absolutely loving my time here, otherwise I wouldn’t keep wanting to try to stick around for longer. I wouldn’t keep re-signing.

“There are certainly no complaints from my end. We are trending in a good direction.”

McKay is also relishing the outdoor opportunities presented by living in Scotland.

“My dad was a keen fisherman and diver, so he got me out on the water as much as he could as a young lad,” he says.

“I have grown up fishing and diving and just being outdoors in general.

“I have been scuba diving since I was 14, which is good fun. More recently, I have been doing a bit more free diving just because I don’t have my tanks and all that sort of stuff over this side of the world.

“It’s a little bit more of a challenge holding your breath. I can hold it for about a minute down there.

“It’s all pretty safe to be fair. I am diving well within my limits. You have got to do the practice on the couch. I have done about three minutes on the couch, so I should be pretty safe!”

It’s a pastime which has seen McKay visit some of Scotland’s most stunning locations.

“That’s one of the really special things about having a hobby like this, the places you do get to,” he says.

“In November, I went up to the Shetland islands which is super remote – the Isle of Skye, Oban, the Dunbar coast.

“The more remote, the more sea life you are going to get. That’s what you are after.

“I’ve seen a lot of Scotland through free diving, trying to get to different spots and scouting different areas. It’s pretty cool when you are exploring.

“The actual gathering – say you are trying to spear a fish or get a scallop – almost becomes secondary to just getting out and exploring new places.

“It’s all sea water, all in the ocean. It’s a mask and snorkel, full wet suit, fins and weight belt. The full works except for the scuba gear.

“I think it’s massively important for the rugby boys to have something else going on in their lives.

“It can be a pretty long season and you have got to have something to look forward to. So I am always trying to plan the next trip. Just getting out in the outdoors, getting out in the greenery is so good for a little mental refresh.”

McKay has also recently made a trip home to New Zealand where he got married to his partner Lily.

“I managed to get back there for two and a half weeks which was really nice,” he says.

“It was a pretty big time in my life and my wife’s.”

After a three week break from playing amid the Six Nations, McKay will return to action on Saturday when BKT URC leaders Glasgow host second-placed Leinster in a top-of-the-table clash at Scotstoun.

Giving his thoughts on the Irish opposition, he said:

“They are consistently world class every season.

“If your dial is off a little bit when you turn up against them, there’s a good chance you are not going to come away with the win.

“It’s always good playing against those top teams. They are the teams you want to measure yourself against and ultimately they are the games you want to be playing in.”