Stormers to host Bulls in 2024/25 URC season opener

The Stormers will host the Bulls in the opening round of the 2024/25 URC season, while the Sharks and Lions will lock horns to complete two SA derbies on the opening weekend.

The 18-round new season will kick off on Friday, 20 September with games between Cardiff and Zebre and Edinburgh and Leinster.

The Stormers-Bulls game at Cape Town Stadium will take place on Saturday, 21 September at 18:15, while the Sharks-Lions game at Kings Park will be a few hours earlier at 15:45.

Full URC 2024/25 fixture list

A statement from the organisers read: "The sequence of home or away fixtures against non-Shield opponents is in its second year. This means all fixtures from last season are reversed so that each team will complete their balance of home and away games against the same opponents over a two-year cycle.

"Additionally, the earlier generation of fixtures will assist all teams in their cross-hemisphere travel with improved access to different seat classes and cost efficiencies related to bookings made further in advance.

"Due to calendar restrictions the outbound tours for South African teams will occur in blocks of three, two and one week(s)."

This essentially reduces the SA teams' European tours to a maximum three-game trip, unlike the four-game trips in previous seasons.

Ready for battle ??The 2024/25 Fixtures have landed ??Tap below for the full list ??#BKTURC #URC | #URCFixtures

"Given the complexity of our scheduling we are thrilled to have our fixtures published earlier than ever before," URC CEO Martin Anayi said in a statement.

"Our fixture list is at the core of our entire league with fans, teams, broadcasters and media all setting their schedules to it and now we have set a new standard by delivering it while the current