Its the 3rd round of the URC the internationals are back! Connacht are in Scotstoun a place that isn't a happy hunting ground for many, its the 1st Interpro of the season, and Leinster return to the RDS #BKTURC #IrishRugby #connachtrugby

Australia take on New Zealand this Saturday, sensing history could be on the cards. We dig into what the Wallabies will need to do to make history, and where the All Blacks know the game will be on the line... If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting https://www.patreon.com/SquidgeRugby, so I can be a bee

There's been plenty of heated battles between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and the DHL Stormers and this match up last season was no different. Re-live all the action before they meet again this weekend in Round 3 of the season. Head to URC TV to watch full match replays of every game: https://URC.tv Tune in to the live action & subscribe: South Africa: https://bit.ly/SuperSportURC UK & Ireland: https://bit.ly/PremierSportsURC SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

The provinces go head-to-head on Saturday.

Internationals return as eastern province go strong against Welsh visitors.

Munster, Ulster, Leinster and Connacht have all named their teams for Round 3 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Stuart Lancaster’s side will take on Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday evening.

The Vodacom Bulls and 10Bet Lions are set to meet again at Loftus Versfeld this weekend so we're looking back at this wild finish when they played here in 2025. Watch the final 10 minutes in full to get you pumped for Saturday's fixture. Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Stravino Jacobs, Keagan Johannes, Embrose Papier; Alu Tshakweni, Akker van der Merwe, Francois Klopper, Jaco Grobbelaar, JF van Heerden, Jeandre Rudolph, Reinhardt Ludwig (CAPT), JJ Theron Replacements : Jean Else, Sti Sithole, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Wet, Stedman Gans, Cheswill Jooste Lions: Quan Horn, Kelly Mpeku, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Eduan Keyter, Chris Smith, Nico Steyn, SJ Kotze, Franco Marais, RF Schoeman, Etienne Oosthuizen, Reinhard Nothnagel, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Venter, Francke Horn (CAPT) Replacements : Morne Brandon, Edward Davids, Conrad van Vuuren, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Sibabalo Qoma, Haashim Pead, Gianni Lombard The URC is using its collective voice to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Throughout October, the URC will be painting our channels pink and encouraging our clubs to do the same – recognising those living with breast cancer, celebrating survivors, remembering those we have lost, and encouraging women and men to be “breast aware”. Find out more here: https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/united-for-breast-cancer-awareness/ Head to URC TV to watch full match replays of every game: https://URC.tv Tune in to the live action & subscribe: South Africa: https://bit.ly/SuperSportURC UK & Ireland: https://bit.ly/PremierSportsURC SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

New Zealander Avan Lee has wanted to work in Irish rugby for some time.

Leinster may have returned from South Africa without a victory — but did we just get our first proper glimpse of the province's next generation? Jeff Pagano is joined by Hugo Gordon and Rich Mifsud to take a broader look at where Leinster stand after the opening weeks of the new season. First, Hugo assesses the academy players thrown into the deep end against the Lions and Sharks. With fewer big-name arrivals and several established players having moved on, Leinster could be relying on their youngsters more heavily than usual this season. We look at the emergence of Todd Lawler, Caspar Gabriel and Josh Erickson, among others, and why their performances in two demanding South African fixtures provide plenty of reasons for optimism. There were mistakes — as you'd expect from players taking their first steps in senior rugby — but there were also glimpses of the talent that has made Leinster's academy system such an important part of the province's success. Rich then takes the discussion further. With established players likely to move on over the next few seasons and a change of head coach ahead, Leinster could be approaching a genuine changing of the guard. How should the next generation be integrated? How important will the balance between youth and experience become? And could a new coaching setup bring changes to Leinster's attack, defence and overall approach? Perhaps the biggest positive from South Africa was that these young Leinster players never wilted. Even in difficult conditions and against vastly more experienced opposition, they fought to the finish and secured bonus points in both matches. Is the next Leinster era already beginning to take shape? Let us know which of the emerging Leinster players has impressed you most — and how you see the squad developing over the next few seasons. 🏉 Harpin’ On Rugby — independent Leinster and Irish rugby discussion, analysis and opinion. #LeinsterRugby #IrishRugby #URC

New Zealand’s formidable 23-year unbeaten streak in Auckland is on the line this weekend.

The 27-year-old joined Munster from Connacht over the summer.

Munster's new interim chief executive says he has already reached out to former players, including Peter O'Mahony, ahead of taking the role of CEO this month.

Newly appointed Munster CEO Avan Lee isn’t wasting any time engaging with his new role.

Donal Lenihan tells RTÉ's Inside Sport that he's hopeful that Avan Lee's appointment as the Interim CEO of Munster Rugby can help the province to turn a corner after a tumultuous period.

🏉 Sharks v Leinster wrap 🏉 Academy & the future 🏉 Weekend roundup 🏉 Munster’s challenges 🏉 Naming rights…and wrongs Our guests :  RICHARD MIFSUD (https://bsky.app/profile/richmifsud.bsky.social) HUGO GORDON (https://bsky.app/profile/hugogordon.bsky.social) Where to find Harpin’ On Rugby linktr.ee/harpinonrugby (http://linktr.ee/harpinonrugby) COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE

Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan is happy to see young players making an impression.

From pinpoint 50:22s to outrageous try assists 🤩   Check out the nominees for Gilbert Rugby Kick of the Month September 2026 and vote for your favourite 🔥 SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #GilbertKOTM | #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

Support the Molecast at https://ko-fi.com/dementedmole The job at Munster — Young guns up and down the land — Connacht win unaesthetically — Whither the Lions --- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey discuss Munster’s appointment of new interim CEO Avan Lee, whom Murray first met in New Zealand back in 2017. Plus, Dan Sheehan joins Murr for a chat ahead of Leinster’s return to the Laya Arena.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy as we look back on the big news of the week in Irish rugby.

Irish rivals Ulster and Leinster are set to face off again this weekend so we're replaying this classic match from 2024. It went right down to the wire with multiple lead changes in the final 10 minutes. Head to URC TV to watch full match replays of every game: https://URC.tv Tune in to the live action & subscribe: South Africa: https://bit.ly/SuperSportURC UK & Ireland: https://bit.ly/PremierSportsURC SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

New Zealander was chief executive of the Hurricanes for 10 years until 2025.

New Zealander Avan Lee has been appointed as interim CEO of Munster Rugby, following the resignation of chief executive Ian Flanagan las week.

Former Ulster prop and rugby agent John Andress joins the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast for a proper wide-ranging chat on all things Ulster Rugby.We look back on the stalemate with Glasgow, pick through what worked and what didn’t, and ask where Ulster need to improve.John also gives us an insight into life as a rugby agent, from dealing with players and clubs to the realities behind the scenes in the professional game.Then it’s on to Munster, what Ulster can expect.A class rugby chat with someone who knows the game inside outSubscribe to Stand Up Ulster for more Ulster Rugby chat, reaction and interviews throughout the season.

The Wallabies beat the Springboks, but now the biggest test awaits: the Bledisloe Cup. Former Wallabies lock turned commentator Justin Harrison joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to dive into the week on the rugby calendar that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking for Australian fans. There will be pressure and expectation on the Wallabies, but what of the pressure and expectation on the All Blacks? Imagine the fallout if they lost a fourth-straight Test? And so how can the Wallabies turn that into opportunity? And how will being front-runners all this year – they’re yet to trail at halftime in 2026 – set them up to put the Kiwis under the pressure that could force them onto the back foot and into errors? #89Rugby #Wallabies #AllBlacks #NZLvAUS Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & welcome Justin Harrison 01:15 – Reviewing the Wallabies' Win Over the Springboks in Perth 05:12 – Game Management & Key Individual Performances (Ryan Lonergan & Forward Pack) 07:00 – Finding the Wallabies' Identity & Consistency Under Les Kiss 09:25 – Bledisloe Cup Game 1: The Eden Park Challenge & Mentality 13:42 – Test Match Mindset: Changing Demands & In-Game Problem Solving 16:00 – Managing Leads & Lessons to Carry into Eden Park 18:27 – Where Are the All Blacks Vulnerable? 21:40 – Mind Games, Composure & Playing the All Blacks 23:03 – Tactical Keys: Dominating Breakdown & Ground Warfare 29:25 – Strategic Tweaks: Kicking Game, Lineouts & Unlocking Opportunities 31:42 – The Prestige and Tradition of the Bledisloe Cup 35:29 – Super Rugby AUs Wrap: Western Force claim 2026 title 36:37 – Join the conversation at 8/9 Rugby on Substack Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio)

What is going on at Munster Rugby — and could the latest upheaval finally mark a turning point? Jeff Pagano is joined by Richard Mifsud and Hugo Gordon to discuss the continuing off-field issues at Munster, following a turbulent period involving coaching changes, financial pressures, staff redundancies, an independent review, criticism from former players and the latest change at CEO level. Yes, this is three Leinster supporters talking about Munster — and there's inevitably a little provincial rivalry involved! But the underlying point is serious. Irish rugby needs a strong Munster. We look at the lack of stability behind the scenes, the handling of recent controversies, criticism from Munster greats including Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony, and the curious timing of the latest leadership change so soon after the new season began. Can new head coach Clayton McMillan finally establish some stability? Is Munster approaching a genuine reset, or is this simply another chapter in a long-running period of upheaval? And beyond the rivalry, what does a struggling Munster mean for Irish rugby? Strong provinces create competition for international places, spread the burden across the Irish system and ultimately strengthen the national team. We genuinely want to see Munster resolve these issues — except, naturally, for the 160 minutes a season when they're playing Leinster! Let us know what Munster needs to do next in the comments. 🏉 Harpin’ On Rugby — independent Leinster and Irish rugby discussion, analysis and opinion. #MunsterRugby #IrishRugby #URC

Ireland international Joe McCarthy has the World Cup in his sights, but he’s first looking forward to a return home with Leinster.

Nick Timoney’s longstanding form with Ulster has seen him become an important player for Andy Farrell and Ireland.

The province head to Belfast for an interpro clash with Ulster this weekend.

Munster will be without Michel Milne, Fineen Wycherley and Diarmuid Kilgallen for Saturday's URC Interpro against Ulster in Belfast, although head coach Clayton McMillan is confident of getting a couple of those players back for their Champions Cup opener against Racing 92 next week.

Injuries are mounting up again for the southern province, though the lay-off times are not extensive.

Former Ireland international Shannon Ikahihifo says she has come to terms with her enforced retirement from rugby, just over a year on from being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Leinster returned from South Africa without a win after a 26-20 defeat to the Sharks in Durban — but was this actually a much more encouraging tour than the results suggest? Jeff Pagano is joined by Richard Mifsud and Hugo Gordon to look back at Leinster's performance against the Sharks and assess what we learned from the opening two rounds of the URC season. Despite defeats to both the Lions and Sharks, Leinster came away with three league points and had genuine opportunities to win both matches. Against the Sharks, the unusual bench configuration eventually took its toll, particularly as the hosts were able to introduce the likes of Eben Etzebeth and Ox Nché late in the contest. We discuss the scrum battle, discipline, some debatable decisions, Leinster's impressive response while down to 14 men and the encouraging signs that the evolving attacking approach is beginning to click. There's also plenty to be encouraged about from Leinster's younger players, with Fintan Gunne impressing again and the young halfback combination continuing to develop, while experienced internationals including Josh van der Flier and Andrew Porter were asked to put in huge shifts. Two matches, two defeats — but a very different feeling from previous South African tours. Were you encouraged by what you saw, or should Leinster be expecting more regardless of the circumstances? Let us know in the comments. 🏉 Harpin’ On Rugby — independent Leinster and Irish rugby discussion, analysis and opinion. #LeinsterRugby #SharksRugby #URC

Toulon have lost four of their first five matches this season.

Round 2 of the URC season saw big name internationals returning across the park. From South Africa we saw the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Thomas du Toit, Quan Horn, Andre Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Ox Nche and more. Check out some of their best moments from the weekend. Head to URC TV to watch full match replays of every game: https://URC.tv Tune in to the live action & subscribe: South Africa: https://bit.ly/SuperSportURC UK & Ireland: https://bit.ly/PremierSportsURC SUBSCRIBE and activate notifications on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3D6AJLo Want more URC? Head to our official website: https://UnitedRugby.com Follow us across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/URCOfficial TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@URC Instagram: https://instagram.com/URC Facebook: https://facebook.com/URC #URC #Rugby #RugbyUnion #RugbyHighlights

🏉 Sharks v Leinster wrap 🏉 Acadamy & the future 🏉 Weekend roundup 🏉 Munster’s challenges 🏉 Naming rights…and wrongs OUR GUESTS RICHARD MIFSUD HUGO GORDON

World Rugby will announce the host cities for the 2035 Rugby World Cup in November 2027.

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil have submitted a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2035, hoping to bring the quadrennial tournament to ⁠South America for the first time.

It was a United Rugby Championship weekend where Ciarán Frawley and Charlie O'Shea excelled in the out-half berth for Connacht and Munster respectively.

Emmet Farrell gave insights into Sam Prendergast and Caspar Gabriel’s progress.

Gavan Casey is joined by Ciarán Kennedy and Murray Kinsella to discuss Round 2 of the URC.