South Africa’s derby double-header this Saturday highlights the brutal demands of the Vodacom URC, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that while France’s Top 14 may be the best domestic competition, it cannot match the URC for cross-border travel, seasonal disruption and scheduling complexity across five countries and two hemispheres.
“It is often said the URC is not a sprint but a marathon,” Keohane notes, but the analogy falls short because the distance keeps shifting. The league must bend around the Six Nations and the Investec Champions Cup, forcing teams into broken momentum and stop-start rhythm.
South Africa’s clubs have had to learn fast. Super Rugby was linear and predictable. The URC is layered and fragmented.
“Momentum comes in short bursts in the URC,” Keohane writes, and form can dissolve as quickly as it is built.
This weekend’s north-south clashes – Stormers vs Lions at Ellis Park and Sharks vs Bulls at Loftus – carry tribal edge, but they also highlight the grind. Teams return from extended breaks only to face another pause before switching competitions again.
MORE: Bulls target Loftus statement against Sharks
“It was exhausting just typing this,” Keohane adds, capturing the strain placed on players and coaches navigating two hemispheres, two climates and multiple competitions in one season.
The URC is South African rugby’s present and future. Appreciating its silverware means understanding the road to it.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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