Stormers ready to get revenge on Connacht in the opening match of the URC campaign in Galway

Four South African franchises participating in the United Rugby Championship (URC) — Stormers, Bulls, Lions, and Sharks — are striving to qualify for the season's playoffs simultaneously for the first time. These teams enter the new campaign bolstered by Springbok-level players and international experience.

The main objective for all four squads is to transform their existing strength into consistency throughout the long URC and Champions Cup season. Considering the return of stars, ambitions for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and the presence of experienced Boks players, they all have serious goals, aiming to secure a spot in the top eight.

United Rugby Championship

The Bulls, last season's finalists, intend to overcome the disappointment of losing the URC Grand Final. Having been 'eternal bridesmaids' for four seasons, they want to end this streak of setbacks. The Pretoria-based team has strengthened with new players and possesses young talents to supplement the squad. Now, success depends on the team and coaches to ensure a top-eight finish for playoff qualification. This lineup represents a quality mix, and they are likely to once again become a symbol of South Africa as they strive for more this season. Their first match is scheduled against Zebre on Saturday, September 26th, at Parma, starting at 18:45.

To watch the game, attention should be paid to flyhalf Kurven Boshoff and young player Chesville Joste.

The Stormers failed in the semi-finals against Leinster last season. They fought hard for a place in the final before the defending champions demonstrated their strength in Dublin, defeating the debut tournament winners. Stormers have attracted well-known Springbok players, and there is an expectation that with their availability by the end of the season, the team will be able to host at least quarter-final and semi-final matches. Last year's midfield slump cost them a chance to play at home in the final four. However, the assembled squad allows Stormers to become a formidable force, and this time they aim to go the distance.

Stormers' first match will be against Connacht on Friday, September 25th, in Galway, starting at 20:45. Keep an eye on Cheslin Kolbe (utility forward) and newcomer Jackeen Ahmed (flyhalf).

The Lions hold high hopes. Last season, they tested themselves in the rugby playoffs for the first time, and although they faced a difficult task, there is hope for greater success this time. Lions will meet Leinster in their first match and aim to avenge their quarter-final defeat earlier this year. Furthermore, it is a chance to build on the success of a brilliant match against the All Blacks during the Greatest Rugby Rivalry. Lions have proven they can compete with the best and want to maintain this confidence in the URC while their young players continue to shine.

Their first match is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, at Ellis Park, starting at 13:30. Watch out for Franke Horn (number eight) and newcomer Siba Mahase (loosehead prop).

Sharks showed significant underperformance last season. With squad reinforcements and a full management team led by JP Pietersen, Sharks intend to start the season strongly. The Durban-based team must repay its fans. Pietersen's team is the only franchise from South Africa that did not make the Top 8, and their mission is to return to the playoffs and contend for a spot in the Champions Cup, starting their campaign at Kings Park. They have the players and coaches for a strong resistance, but everything will depend on their ability to find cohesion and avoid injuries, which complicated things for them last season. Sharks' first match will be against Ospreys on Saturday, September 26th, at Kings Park, starting at 16:00. Keep an eye on Vincent Tsitukwe (utility forward) and newcomer Zeketelo Siyaya (utility forward).

Young scrumhalf Hashim Piad is preparing to return to the Stormers squad. Although a week is considered a long period in rugby, a couple of days can sometimes feel like an eternity.

On Thursday, Lions coach Ivan van Rensburg positively commented on Hashim Piad's future at Ellis Park, expressing satisfaction that the talented scrumhalf remains with the Lions and will receive more game time as part of his development within the Springbok setup.

It seems the dispute between the Lions and the Stormers has been resolved, and Piad will remain in Johannesburg. However, just two days later, the publication News24 reported that the 21-year-old player is packing his bags and heading back to his hometown of Bo-Kaap, as a move to the Stormers appears highly likely.

Piad, a graduate of Bishops in Cape Town, joined the Lions in early 2025 after being unable to secure a contract with the Stormers. According to reports, he will join the Stormers after their upcoming European tour to begin the campaign in the United Rugby Championship.

If this transfer materializes, Piad could debut for the Stormers against the Sharks in Cape Town in the third round of the URC. This would be a sharp reversal from Van Rensburg's comments made just 48 hours earlier.

Piad's significant potential was noted last year by American sports marketing giants Roc Nation, who included him in a roster that also features Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. He was one of the standout performers for the Junior Springboks at the U20 Rugby World Cup in Italy in 2025 and subsequently earned the title of Player of the Year among the Junior Springboks.

Nevertheless, within the Lions, Piad found himself behind Morne van den Berg and Nico Stein in the queue for the Springbok scrumhalf position. In the Stormers, Kobus Reinah serves as the number one scrumhalf, but there is a vacancy due to Imad Khan's serious knee injury. The Stormers will begin their URC campaign away against Connacht, followed by a home game against Edinburgh on October 2nd. The Lions will open their campaign at Ellis Park on September 26th, hosting defending champions Leinster.

Several young players from the Stormers team made a strong impression on rugby director John Dobson during the pre-season friendly match for the United Rugby Championship (URC). The game took place in Paarl against the Bulls on Friday.

Although the Stormers team lost to their opponents with a score of 38:26 at the Faure Street Stadium in Winelands, the final result should not cause serious problems for the Cape Town side.

Both teams had outstanding scrums in attack, and the Stormers frequently forced the Bulls backward, earning several penalties during this phase of the game. This advantage continued into the second half, as the Pretoria squad could not counter the powerful scrums.

Both teams successfully utilized rolling mauls, but the visitors dominated in this aspect, scoring several points thanks to their strong forwards. The Stormers were also able to earn a penalty try through a strong effort in the second half.

However, errors after the break, such as a charged kick from substitute flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed and some confusion in the midfield that left a huge gap in defense, led to two tries that changed the course of the game in favor of the Bulls.

Experience exchange and player performances

A good early burst from experienced players, including captain Marcell Coetzee, number eight Jandré Rudolph, teammate Hanro Liebenberg, and fullback Willie le Roux, helped the visitors gain a 17:12 lead at halftime. Other notable performers for the Bulls included winger Sébastien de Clercq, who looked sharp in attack after a long injury layoff, scrumhalf Paul de Wet, and inside centre Stravino Jacobs.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann stated after the match: "I just told Dobson that it was perfect in terms of what we wanted to see from the players." He added: "There were mistakes that we know we need to fix, but a big plus is the lack of injuries. Willie had a slight hamstring tightness, but otherwise, we went through the game unscathed. There were good moments, and we are pleased with that."

For the Stormers, speedy runner Roland Leighton Davids scored almost on the first touch, outpacing Bulls winger Taakir Abraham with his explosive speed to run down the sideline and score. Although Abraham is not weak himself, the manner in which Davids overtook him showed that he has something special.

Young fullback Dylan Miller scored two tries and looked reliable after active participation in the Stormers XXIII Currie Cup campaign. Newcomers to the squad, forwards Ollie Reid (prop), and loose forwards Louw Nel and Xola Nyali, also played well alongside number eight Hajiva Daimani.

Dobson noted after the game: "Listen, I am honestly very happy." He continued: "I thought, considering the number of guys we selectively brought into this game, 17 out of 31 players had never played in the URC before, so playing against this Bulls team was good. I am very excited about Leighton's performance. He was better than I expected. I think there is something truly special in him."

This match served as good preparation for both teams before the start of the URC at the end of September. Both coaches were able to conduct experiments and assess the players' readiness for the upcoming challenges. A positive aspect of the day in Paarl was the absence of injuries before the new season.

Match results

Final score: Stormers 26 (12) : Bulls 38 (17). Tries scored by halves: Dylan Miller (2), Leighton Davids, penalty try. Conversions: Yuri Matty (2). Bulls scored: Jandré Rudolph, Hanro Liebenberg, Taakir Abraham, Vian Mentour, J.J. Teron, Sébastien de Clercq. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald, Mentour (3).