# Lions 2026-27 URC Preview

> Lions aim for URC success after historic play-off run.
- Title: Lions 2026-27 URC Preview · Rugby World | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: lions, urc, 2026-27, european champions cup, champions cup, play-offs, urc 2026-27, champions cup 2026-27, urc league, rugby world, rugby championship, sports
- Source: Rugby World — https://rugbyworld.com/tournaments/united-rugby-championship/urc-2026-27-preview-lions-185482
- Published: 2026-09-25T12:55:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lions, urc, 2026-27, european champions cup, champions cup, play-offs, urc 2026-27, champions cup 2026-27, urc league, rugby world, rugby championship, sports
## 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.
## Key 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.