URC champions back on duty in Cape Town
Leinster begin the defence of their BKT United Rugby Championship title with a heavyweight opening fixture against the Stormers in Cape Town, and the headlines include a start at fly-half for rising playmaker Sam Prendergast. The return of front-line internationals across the Irish provinces also extends to Ulster, with Leo Cullen and his northern counterparts welcoming big guns back into their matchday squads after the Test window.
Bulls stack Springbok power despite injuries
Up in Pretoria, new head coach Johan Ackermann has named his first Bulls matchday 23 for their URC opener against the Ospreys, managing to load his side with six Springboks despite an early-season injury toll. It’s a statement of intent from the Loftus outfit, who are determined to hit the ground running in a fiercely competitive league.
Key selection talking points
- Sam Prendergast gets the Leinster 10 jersey as the champions seek early momentum on tour.
- Ulster’s returning internationals bolster experience and depth as they look to set a platform for the campaign.
- Johan Ackermann’s Bulls selection blends international muscle with squad opportunities for those stepping in amid injuries.
Early-season narratives to watch
Leinster’s ability to negotiate a demanding away start, Ulster’s reintegration of Test players, and the Bulls’ physical edge will all shape Round One. With the Stormers traditionally strong at home and Ospreys adept at disrupting rhythm, these openers offer instant benchmarks for title ambitions.
