URC Recap: Bulls, Sharks and Stormers Secure Playoff Spots in Final Round

The final round of the 2024/25 URC regular season concluded with significant implications for South African teams. Three franchises, the Blue Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers, have secured spots in the quarter-finals, with the Bulls and Sharks earning home advantage.

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Blue Bulls

The Bulls solidified their second-place finish with a commanding 38–10 victory over the Dragons at Loftus Versfeld. This win ensures they will host Edinburgh in the quarter-finals, providing a crucial home advantage.

Sharks

The Sharks climbed to third place by defeating the Scarlets 35–12 in Durban. Their strong finish grants them a home quarter-final against Munster, a team they narrowly lost to earlier in the season.

Stormers

Despite a 27–20 loss to Glasgow Warriors, the Stormers secured the fifth seed. They will travel to face Glasgow again in the quarter-finals, aiming to reverse their recent defeat. 

Lions

The Lions concluded their season with a thrilling 29–28 win over Ospreys. However, they fell short of playoff qualification, finishing ninth, just outside the top eight.

Final South African Team Standings

• Vodacom Bulls: 2nd (Home quarter-final vs. Edinburgh)
  
• Sharks: 3rd (Home quarter-final vs. Munster)
  
• Stormers: 5th (Away quarter-final vs. Glasgow Warriors)
  
• Lions: 9th (Did not qualify for playoffs)

Quarter-Final Fixtures

• Leinster (1st) vs Scarlets (8th)
  
• Bulls (2nd) vs Edinburgh (7th)
  
• Sharks (3rd) vs Munster (6th)
  
• Glasgow Warriors (4th) vs Stormers (5th)
  

The quarter-finals are scheduled for the weekend of May 31, 2025.