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SA RUGBY'S NORTHERN ASCENT SEALED

The Mercury

|

June 06, 2025

THE Covid-19 pandemic forced South African rugby to break away from its Super Rugby alliance with New Zealand and Australia and forge new ties with Europe.

It was a bold step as the rugby landscape adjusted to the winds of change, but fortune favours the brave, and the local game has blossomed into rude health.

Since joining Europe three years ago, the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers have been undergoing a “trial period” with Europe's United Rugby Championship (URC). This week, it was confirmed that our teams have been granted full membership status in the competition by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the organisers of the URC and also the Champions and Challenge Cups.

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