The United Rugby Championship has torn up its team-announcement rulebook for the new season.
From 2026-27, all 16 clubs will work to a co-ordinated Thursday deadline of 2pm UK time, rather than naming sides on separate days.
Friday fixtures stay much the same, but Saturday and Sunday teams will now generally be revealed 48 hours out, instead of the usual 24.
“Rather than Friday and Saturday teams being announced on separate days, all 16 teams will now work to a coordinated Thursday announcement time,” the URC stated.
It added the shift should give broadcasters and clubs a longer runway to build hype and sell tickets.
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Team-announcement timing was a hot topic during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Rassie Erasmus named his Springbok side on the Monday before the second Test in Cape Town, only to reshuffle his front row late in the week, citing the weather, and start his three reserves instead. He had delayed the previous week’s team by three days.
That series sat outside World Rugby and SANZAAR’s jurisdiction, giving Erasmus the leeway.
URC clubs won’t get that luxury when the season kicks off next Friday.
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Photo: Gallo Images
The post SA teams to name URC lineups early appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The United Rugby Championship has torn up its team-announcement rulebook for the new season.
The post SA teams to name URC lineups early appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
