A new year, a new outlook. That is how at least 50% of United Rugby Championship teams entered Round 9 of the 2025-2026 season.<\/p>\n
For a few, this vision unfolded in a mesmerizing display of hair-raising rugby. For others, 2026 started like a chaotic Christmas dinner where the unhinged uncle began spouting political views.<\/p>\n
Leading the charge on the positive side of the ledger, the undefeated DHL Stormers overcame a titanic arm wrestle with bitter rivals, the Vodacom Bulls, in Cape Town.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Inseparable for the bulk of 78 minutes, the South African heavyweights traded blow after blow.<\/p>\n
Rarely challenging each other\u2019s line, such was the ferocity of the respective defensive displays, and it would take a moment of muscular brilliance by the Stormers to settle the contest.<\/p>\n
Setting up shop deep in Bulls territory from a Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu penalty kick, John Dobson\u2019s charges went to work, winning their line-out before setting up a thunderous maul that led to replacement loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu crashing over for what proved to be the decisive moment of the clash.<\/p>\n
On paper, this contest had the potential to be a vintage Stormers, all-singing, all-dancing attacking performance against a Bulls side that came into the round with just three wins this season. Instead, last season\u2019s finalists dragged their hosts into a bar brawl and nearly pulled off what could have been a season-altering victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, Johan Ackermann\u2019s side languishes in 10th position, facing the very real possibility of missing the knockout stage.<\/p>\n
Conversely, Dobson\u2019s men remain two points clear of the Glasgow Warriors at the top of the standings, with a game in hand.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, the Irish duo of Ulster and Leinster secured big-time bonus point victories over rivals Munster and Connacht, respectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Joining the pair in the winner\u2019s circle, Glasgow shredded Zebre Parma, the Dragons thumped the Scarlets, Ospreys downed Cardiff, the Lions edged the Sharks and Edinburgh snuck past Benetton.<\/p>\n
Now that all has been said and done for Round 9 action, here is our first FloRugby Team Of The Week for 2026:<\/p>\n
1. Pierre Schoeman, Edinburgh Rugby<\/p>\n
Locking down a 100% scrummaging performance to go along with 17 carries, 23 tackles and a turnover says all you need to know about the Scottish star\u2019s outing.<\/p>\n
2. Oli Burrows, Dragons<\/p>\n
Encapsulating the overall atmosphere around the Dragons at the moment, few would have predicted the hooker\u2019s standout performance in Round 9.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scoring a glorious try, making 18 tackles, nailing all of his line-outs and winning the man-of-the-match award, the 23-year-old had a New Year\u2019s Day to remember.<\/p>\n
3. Wilco Louw, Vodacom Bulls<\/p>\n
Locking horns with a Stormers scrum who has dominated all before them this season, the giant Springbok laid down a marker to his future teammates.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Winning 100% of his feeds and attacking the Stormers looseheads on their own ball, Louw gave the Cape Town crowd a glimpse of what is coming next season when he makes the move to the coast.<\/p>\n
4. Etienne Oosthuizen, Emirates Lions<\/p>\n
Now 33 years old, the Lions veteran is playing arguably the best rugby of his career.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While international honors are unlikely at this stage, there is a strong case that he has been the standout South African lock of the URC season so far.<\/p>\n
5. Brian Deeny, Leinster Rugby<\/p>\n
Another product of the Leinster conveyor belt, the 25-year-old is in his fifth URC season and continues to deliver when given opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Growing his role year on year, the hard working lock scored his fourth Leinster try, while making 17 tackles and nine carries in a highly physical performance.<\/p>\n
6. Cormac Izuchukwu, Ulster Rugby<\/p>\n
Could the Ulster utility forward be Irish Rugby\u2019s biggest weapon come the Six Nations?<\/p>\n
With Ryan Baird set to be unavailable, Izuchukwu could prove a like-for-like replacement in Andy Farrell\u2019s squad. When fit and available this season, the 25 year old has been nothing short of outstanding, to the point where he may already be Ulster\u2019s most influential player in 2026.<\/p>\n
7. Freddy Douglas, Edinburgh Rugby<\/p>\n
Eager for a starting opportunity, Edinburgh\u2019s 20-year-old sensation laid down a marker that reignites the debate around the No. 7 jersey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Winning four turnovers, making 16 tackles and linking effectively in attack, Douglas was a decisive figure in the win over Benetton.<\/p>\n
8. Bryn Ward, Ulster Rugby<\/p>\n
If Izuchukwu is pushing for Ireland selection, then Ward also must be in the conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The young No. 8 torched Munster with 50 meters from 14 carries, five defenders beaten, a try, 16 tackles and a turnover, announcing himself on the URC stage in emphatic fashion.<\/p>\n
9. Jamison Gibson Park, Leinster Rugby<\/p>\n
When it comes to rhythm, few players operate like Gibson Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Passing crisply, kicking accurately and dictating tempo, the scrumhalf was at his fluent best against Connacht.<\/p>\n
10. Sam Prendergast, Leinster Rugby<\/p>\n
Still one of the great enigmas of Irish Rugby, Leinster\u2019s young out-half was mesmeric in attack as Connacht was carved open at the Aviva Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Defensive frailties remain, particularly off the tee and in contact, but his vision and ability to identify space continue to separate him from his peers.<\/p>\n
11. Zac Ward, Ulster Rugby<\/p>\n
Joining his younger brother in the back line, Ward no longer can be labeled a bolter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Racking up 132 meters from 13 carries, with three line breaks and 13 defenders beaten, he was unplayable at times.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jamie Dobie also deserves mention after scoring twice against Zebre.\u00a0<\/p>\n
12. Charlie Tector, Leinster Rugby<\/p>\n
Another Leinster back who impressed against Connacht, Tector is growing comfortably into the center role.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Taking pressure off Prendergast through his distribution and kicking, the 23-year-old showcased his full skillset with two superb tries.\u00a0<\/p>\n
13. Stafford McDowall, Glasgow Warriors<\/p>\n
Is Huw Jones guaranteed the No. 13 shirt? Perhaps not.\u00a0<\/p>\n
McDowall has been flawless this season, adding another try against Zebre and strengthening his case as a genuine Six Nations contender.<\/p>\n
14. Tommy O\u2019Brien, Leinster Rugby<\/p>\n
Two more tries capped a breakthrough campaign for the Irish international winger.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With elite top-end pace and relentless work rate, O\u2019Brien now has five tries from 10 matches this season.<\/p>\n
15. Ollie Smith, Glasgow Warriors<\/p>\n
Another Warrior pressing for Six Nations selection, Smith delivered a tireless display at fullback, running for just under 100 meters, scoring a try and leading the defenders beaten count with six.\u00a0<\/p>\n
How To Watch Investec Champions Cup Round 3 Matches<\/p>\n
All Investec Champions Cup matches stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Investec Champions Cup Round 3 FixturesFriday, Jan. 93 p.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre3 p.m. ET: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, TBDSaturday, Jan. 108 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bristol Bears, Loftus Versfeld10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Glasgow Warriors, Stade Marcel-Michelin12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. La Rochelle, TBD12:30 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Salford Community Stadium3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Pau, Parc y Scarlets3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Bayonne, Mattioli Woods Welford RoadSunday, Jan. 118 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. DHL Stormers, Twickenham Stoop8 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Munster Rugby, Stade F\u00e9lix Mayol10:15 a.m. ET: Bordeaux-B\u00e8gles vs. Northampton Saints, Stade Chaban-Delmas12:30 p.m. ET: Saracens vs. Toulouse, StoneX StadiumInvestec Champions Cup Round 4 FixturesFriday, Jan. 163 p.m. ET: Pau vs. Vodacom Bulls, Stade du Hameau3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Edinburgh Rugby, The RecSaturday, Jan. 178 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Clermont Auvergne, Hollywoodbets Kings Park10:15 a.m. ET: Bayonne vs. Leinster Rugby, Stade Jean Dauger10:15 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. Leicester Tigers, DHL Stadium12:30 p.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Thomond Park3 p.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Toulon, KingsholmSunday, Jan. 188 a.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Bordeaux-B\u00e8gles, Ashton Gate10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Scarlets, cinch Stadium @ Franklin\u2019s Gardens10:15 a.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Harlequins, Stade Marcel Deflandre12:30 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Saracens, Scotstoun StadiumHow To Watch Investec Champions Cup Round 3 Matches<\/p>\n
All EPCR Challenge Cup matches stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3 FixturesSat, Jan. 10, 20267 a.m. ET: Stade Fran\u00e7ais Paris vs. Exeter Chiefs, Stade Jean Bouin7 a.m. ET: US Montauban vs. Black Lion, Stade Sapiac7 a.m. ET: Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Perpignan, Kingston Park9:15 a.m. ET: Lions vs. Lyon O.U., Ellis Park9:15 a.m. ET: Cardiff Rugby vs. Racing 92, Cardiff Arms Park11:30 a.m. ET: Benetton Rugby vs. Dragons RFC, Stadio MonigoSun, Jan. 11, 20267 a.m. ET: Montpellier H\u00e9rault Rugby vs. Connacht Rugby, Septeo Stadium7 a.m. ET: Zebre Parma vs. Ospreys, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi9:15 a.m. ET: Toyota Cheetahs vs. Ulster Rugby, NRCA StadiumEPCR Challenge Cup Round 4 FixturesFri, Jan. 16, 20262 p.m. ET: Dragons RFC vs. Newcastle Red Bulls, Rodney ParadeSat, Jan. 17, 20267 a.m. ET: Ulster Rugby vs. Stade Fran\u00e7ais Paris, Affidea Stadium7 a.m. ET: Black Lion vs. Zebre Parma, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium11:30 a.m. ET: Perpignan vs. Lions, Stade Aim\u00e9 Giral2 p.m. ET: Connacht Rugby vs. US Montauban, Dexcom Stadium2 p.m. ET: Ospreys vs. Montpellier H\u00e9rault Rugby, Dunraven Brewery FieldSun, Jan. 18, 20267 a.m. ET: Exeter Chiefs vs. Cardiff Rugby, Sandy Park7 a.m. ET: Lyon O.U. vs. Benetton Rugby, Matmut Stadium de Gerland11:30 a.m. ET: Racing 92 vs. Toyota Cheetahs, Paris La D\u00e9fense ArenaHow To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby<\/p>\n
The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:\u00a0<\/p>\n
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new year, a new outlook. That is how at least 50% of United Rugby Championship teams entered…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":396515,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567],"tags":[64,63,760,85],"class_list":{"0":"post-396514","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-rugby","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-rugby","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=396514"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396514\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/396515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=396514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=396514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=396514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}