From Rugby World · · 1m 10s
Lions 2026-27 URC Preview
Lions aim for URC success after historic play-off run.
In brief
Lions aim for URC success after historic play-off run. The Lions, who reached URC play-offs for the first time in 2025, will compete in the European Champions Cup for the 2026-27 season but face challenges to secure a top bracket finish. Originally reported by Rugby World.
Lions' historic URC play-off debut
The Lions made history last season by qualifying for the URC play-offs for the first time after joining the United Rugby Championship.
Champions Cup debut adds pressure
The Lions will play in the European Champions Cup for the first time this season, which piles on the pressure for the team.
Key player Chris Smith
Fly-half Chris Smith finished last season as the URC’s second-top point-scorer with 154 points after moving south from the Bulls in 2025.
Lions' 2025-26 performance
The Lions won only ten of their eighteen league matches last season, with two draws and seven losses in overseas fixtures.
Lions' 2026-27 prediction
A young Lions side should claim notable scalps but will likely fail to finish in the top bracket due to a challenging schedule.
Lions' 2026-27 odds
The Lions are odds-on at 33-1 to win the URC 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
The Lions, who reached URC play-offs for the first time in 2025, will compete in the European Champions Cup for the 2026-27 season but face challenges to secure a top bracket finish.
