Target acquired? No panic for Pollard ahead of URC grand final
Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard is confident he will rectify his kicking woes before the highly-anticipated United Rugby Championship final against Leinster next Friday.
URC quarterfinal fixtures and dates confirmed
The most intense playoff race in URC history went all the way to the final whistle of Round 18, where the result between Munster and the Lions put the rubber stamp on a fascinating slate of quarterfinal matchups.
The results from Round 18 ensured that the four home teams were ranked; Glasgow Warriors (1), Leinster (2), Stormers (3) and Bulls (4). The away teams will be Munster (5), Cardiff (6), Lions (7) and Connacht (8).
The 2024 champions, Glasgow Warriors, will get the Play-Offs underway on Friday, May 29, when they take on Connacht at Scotstoun. This will be followed by three games on the Saturday with the Bulls taking on 2023 champions, Munster, the Stormers welcome Cardiff to Cape Town, and defending champions Leinster hosting the Lions.
The qualification of both Cardiff and the Lions means that 14 of the 16 teams in the league have reached the last eight in the past five seasons.
URC playoffs
Quarterfinals
Friday, May 29
QF1: (1) Glasgow Warriors v (8) Connacht
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
KO: 20:45 SA
Saturday, May 30
QF4: (4) Bulls v (5) Munster
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
KO: 13:00
QF3: (3) Stormers v (6) Cardiff
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
KO: 15:30 SA
QF2: (2) Leinster v (7) Lions
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
KO: 21:00 SA
Semi-Finals - Saturday, June 6
SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF4
SF2: Winner QF2 v Winner QF3
URC Grand Final – Saturday, June 20
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2|
Bulls boss Johan Ackermann focusing on discipline ahead of URC final against Leinster
Bulls coach Johan Ackerman is all too aware that one moment of ill-discipline can cost his team the United Rugby Championship trophy.
Springboks look to Ruben van Heerden to boost lock stocks
Lock Ruben van Heerden has been called up to the Springbok squad, linking up with the team in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
Bulls opt against UK base, return to South Africa before URC final
The Bulls have opted for rest, recovery and familiar surroundings as they build towards another crack at United Rugby Championship glory, choosing to return to Pretoria before heading back to Ireland for next week's final against Leinster.