The 2025-26 URC season has officially kicked off: All four South African franchises have revealed their new home and/or alternate jerseys for the 2025-26 season. Which team has the best look this year?
The North/South Divide Just Got Hotter
The dust has settled on a seismic 2024-2025 season where the North finally claimed its prize, but don’t think for a second that the South African rumble is over. Last year, the Vodacom Bulls played their way into a packed Croke Park Final, the Hollywoodbets Sharks secured the coveted SA Shield, and the DHL Stormers battled through to the playoffs once again. The power dynamics have been established now, they must be broken. As the URC prepares for the 2025-2026 kick-off, every team from Pretoria to Durban is focused on one thing: turning regional dominance into overall glory.
Vodacom Bulls: Seeking Championship Steel
The Bulls had their most consistent season yet, finishing 2nd in the regular table. Their path to the Grand Final was built on a foundation of raw power, leading to a high rank in both points and tries scored. Their physical set-piece, especially the scrum, was a potent weapon at Loftus Versfeld.
- Final Position: 2nd (Regular Season)
- Playoff Performance: Runners-Up (Lost Final to Leinster 32-7)
- Shield Position: 3rd
- Performance: Showcased strong consistency, particularly at home. Reached their third URC final, but ultimately lost, highlighting a mental hurdle to overcome. Their season was built on a physical set-piece and strong attack. Critically, discipline was a major concern, as they led the league in yellow and red cards, an area they must rectify to lift the trophy this year.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: From Challenge to Championship
The Sharks completed a dramatic turnaround from their previous campaign, securing their first-ever URC silverware by winning the South African Shield. Their rise was built on a successful balance between set-piece strength (3rd best lineout) and an effective, often attritional, attack.
- Final Position: 3rd (Regular Season)
- Playoff Performance: Semi-Finalists (Lost to Vodacom Bulls)
- Shield Position: 1st (Shield Winners)
- Performance: Had a successful campaign, finishing 3rd in the main table and winning the first silverware of the season by claiming the South African Shield. Their performance was balanced, and they successfully built on their prior European Challenge Cup success to establish themselves among the URC elite.
DHL Stormers: The Attack/Defense Conundrum
The Capetonians secured a playoff spot for the third consecutive year, proving their place as perennial contenders. Their attack, built on flair, speed, and turnover ball, remained one of the strongest in the entire league, making them a must-watch team.
- Final Position: 5th (Regular Season)
- Playoff Performance: Quarter-Finalists (Lost to Glasgow Warriors)
- Shield Position: 2nd
- Performance: Secured a playoff spot by finishing 5th. Their attack remained one of the strongest in the league. However, their defense was a notable weakness, with the lowest tackle success rate in the league, and their scrum was often inconsistent. Their season ended in the Quarter-Finals, leaving them with clear objectives for improvement.
Emirates Lions: The Inconsistency Challenge
The Lions showed flashes of the attacking rugby they are famous for, particularly when playing at their spiritual home of Emirates Airline Park. However, their inconsistency, especially on the road, saw them miss out on the playoff picture.
- Final Position: 11th (Regular Season)
- Playoff Performance: Did not qualify for Playoffs (Top 8)
- Shield Position: 4th
- Performance: Finished outside the playoff places in 11th. Their season was marked by inconsistency, showing good attacking potential, but struggling for results on the road. The scrum was a strength (high success rate), but overall discipline and defensive efficiency remain key areas for improvement if they are to crack the top eight this season.
Defining the Next Chapter
The 2025-2026 Vodacom URC season won’t just be measured by the final league table; it will be defined by which South African team can finally crack the code of playoff consistency and challenge the Northern powerhouses. The Sharks must prove their Shield win was a foundation, not a peak. The Stormers need to mend their defensive leaks to unleash their world-class attack. The Lions have to transform their Ellis Park magic into crucial away points. And for the Bulls, the burning question is simple: Can they turn their runners-up status into championship steel? The stage is set, the rivalries are simmering, and the chase for the top spot starts now. This is more than a season; it’s the next great chapter in the history of South African rugby.