URC boss has the finish to the season he wanted

This weekend’s penultimate round of regular-season competition could not be more delicately poised as the top nine jostle for eight play-off spots

Wed, 27 Apr, 2022 - 07:10

Simon Lewis

United Rugby Championship boss Martin Anayi finally has the competition he envisaged when South Africa’s heavyweight teams turned north and turned the PRO14 into a 16-team league. Yet the URC chief executive recognises there are still misgivings about the four former Super Rugby franchises becoming too strong for the European clubs that welcomed them into the fold.

This weekend’s penultimate round of regular-season competition could not be more delicately poised as the top nine jostle for eight play-off spots knowing each result could have a serious impact on the final standings, the knockout draw, and Champions Cup qualification.