URC WEEK 9: Kick-off times for all SA teams!
Yesterday at 07:02 AM
There was plenty to unpack after the eighth instalment of this season’s URC.
Sharks and Stormers overcame favourites Bulls and Lions to boost their title odds. However, the latter, who sit thirteenth on the log, have their work cut out, sitting twenty-two points behind league leaders Leinster.
It will be back-to-back weeks for South African derbies as Week 9 promises all the spills.
Upcoming fixtures
Friday, December 27
- Munster vs Leinster (21:35)
Saturday, December 29
- Stormers vs Sharks (17:00)
- Zebre vs Benetton Rugby (17:00)
- Edinburgh vs Glasgow Warriors (17:00)
- Connacht vs Ulster (21:35)
Wednesday, January 1
- Cardiff Rugby vs Osprey (17:00)
- Scarlets vs Dragons (19:15)
URC Chief praises South African impact
"[They have] been tremendously successful in terms of performance and attendance, as well as financially and commercially," said Martin Anayi.
"Pretty much anybody you speak to in the league will say they have raised the standard of the competition on and off the field and they will continue to do that.
"It's a game changer. It's millions, more than half our revenue comes from South Africa via television and sponsorship.
"They are also providing more value to EPCR, via Investec's sponsorship of the Champions Cup. It is a huge part of the rugby economy for Europe.
"The class of travel for our teams is something we need to address – moving to business class travel for the South African trips. Big guys need space.
"In terms of travel logistics, the regular season matches are not a problem. We know about those trips and book a long way out. It's more when it comes to knock-out rugby. That can be hard.
"So, we can change our format in terms of having gaps in the play-offs. We can concertina the regular season and maybe start it a little bit earlier to give ourselves an extra week around semi-final and final."
Who will win the URC?
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