Challenge Cup

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 25: Eben Etzebeth of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Dragons at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on November 25, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Eben: Sharks eye ‘free pass’ into Euro cup

Eben Etzebeth has emphasised the importance of the Sharks winning the EPCR Challenge Cup and securing safe passage back to the Champions Cup next season.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 21: Willem Alberts of the Lions with the ball during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and DHL Stormers at Emirates Airline Park on October 21, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

‘Bone Collector’ back for Lions tour

Willem Alberts has made a timely return from injury to be including in a 28-player squad for the Lions’ Vodacom URC tour and Challenge Cup playoff.

CARDIFF, WALES - JANUARY 31: A general view of the Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup trophies on the inside of the stadium as Cardiff and Bilbao are announced as host cities for the 2025 and 2026 European Rugby Finals respectively, at Principality Stadium on January 31, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Cardiff to host 2025 Euro cup finals

Cardiff will stage European club rugby’s Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals in 2025, the EPCR organisers have announced.

Corne Rahl of the Sharks reacts in disappointment during the 2023 United Rugby Championship game between the Stormers and Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 30 December 2023 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Half-Time Talk: Sharks in murky waters

The Sharks’ excellent run in the Challenge Cup has added a glimmer of hope to a bleak first half of their Vodacom URC campaign.

Daniel Kasende of the Toyota Cheetahs during the Currie Cup Rugby match Toyota Cheetahs v Vodacom Bulls at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on 17 June 2023 ©Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Cheetahs suffer another suspension blow

Daniel Kasende has been banned for foul play in the clash between the Cheetahs and Oyonnax, and is set to miss the Challenge Cup last 16 tie against Clermont.

Stormers players celebrate a late try scored by Andre-Hugo Venter of the Stormers during Investec Champions Cup 2023/24 game between the Stormers and La Rochelle at Cape Town Stadium on 16 December 2023

Euro cup playoff dates locked in

The dates and times of the round of 16 fixtures for the Champions and Challenge cup competitions have been confirmed.

Munier Hartzenberg of Cheetahs on the attack during the 2023 Currie Cup match between Western Province and Cheetahs held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on 15 April 2023 ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Cheetahs speedster cops ban

Munier Hartzenberg has been slapped with a suspension for his high hit in the clash between the Cheetahs and Oyonnax, but is set to feature in the Challenge Cup last 16.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Huw Evans/Shutterstock (14308186n) George North of Ospreys Emirates Lions v Ospreys, EPCR Challenge Cup, Rugby, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - 21 Jan 2024

Cash ignores Lions ‘wake-up call’?

Lions skipper Marius Louw was disappointed with Sunday’s loss to Ospreys, but coach Ivan van Rooyen downplayed its potential impact on the clash with the Vodacom Bulls this week.

Saffas Abroad: Leyds sets up Stormers rematch

Dillyn Leyds dotted down to sustain La Rochelle’s Champions Cup title defence and set up a playoff rematch against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Winter/INPHO/Shutterstock (14309083au) Stade Francais Paris vs DHL Stormers. Dan du Plessis of DHL Stormers Investec Champions Cup Round 4, Stade Jean Boulin, Paris, France - 20 Jan 2024

State of the Euro cups: SA teams primed for playoffs

The DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and Sharks will be at home, while the Lions and Cheetahs will take to the road as SA’s full contingent qualified for their second taste of EPCR playoffs.