The DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls will kick off the 2025/26 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season at home against Leinster and Ospreys, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions start their campaigns in Glasgow and Cardiff when the new season commences in the final weekend of September.

South Africa’s three Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-finalists, the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers, will have their sights set on building winning momentum with an eye on the playoffs as the curtain drops on the pool stages this weekend, while the Emirates Lions will look to wrap up their campaign on a high note.

DHL Stormers has confirmed that stalwart Deon Fourie has signed a one-year contract extension and will be available to play from the beginning of next season.

The South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises produced a weekend of rugby to smile about as all four teams emerged victorious in their round 16 clashes, which saw the Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks cement their playoff spots and remain in the top four, while the DHL Stormers leapt into sixth place on the standings.

The four South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises will all enter the home straight of the cross-hemisphere showpiece with the same mindset – victory at any cost – as the Race to the Eight takes centre stage. 

The DHL Stormers have confirmed that Springbok utility back Damian Willemse has signed a new deal, securing his stay with the club until 2027.

The Vodacom Bulls shone bright over their South African counterparts in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this past weekend, with the Pretoria outfit being the only of the four franchises to come away with a victory as the competition struck round 14.

It was a largely satisfying weekend for South Africa’s teams in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship as three of the four sides – the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers – came away with victories to boost their playoff hopes, while the Emirates Lions managed to secure a losing bonus point away from home to remain within striking range of the top eight.

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship will be back to full throttle this weekend as the competition reaches round 13 and the race for playoff spots sears to new heights, with 15 of the 16 teams still in the race to qualify for the quarter-finals.