Watch VideoURC kings without the crown? Stormers and Bulls must turn dominance into trophies

The Stormers won the United Rugby Championship in the first season, and while a South African franchise featured in every single final since the start of the tournament, it is time for the local side to win more trophies. For all the strides South Africa’s four franchises have made since entering theUnited Rugby Championship (URC), and despite their growing influence in the competition, the time has come for that dominance to be converted into more trophies. The 2025/26 seasononce again highlighted the massive influence of South African rugby in the competitionand what that contributes to the growth of the European sides, despite all the noise from overseas that they do not belong there.

Three local teams reached the quarter-finals, while theBullsandStormershave powered their way into the semi-finals. In contrast, only one Scottish and one Irish side remain in the final four. It highlights just how strong the challenge from South Africa became.

That dominance has also been recognised on an individual level. SA players make up the bulk of the URC Elite XV, while several stars from the Bulls, Stormers and Lions have collected awards and accolades following outstanding campaigns. The talent is there, the depth is there, and the results over the course of a long season suggest the franchises are setting the standard in the competition. Yet for all the success, some questions still remain.