DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 18: Makazole Mapimpi of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the Hollywoodbets Sharks training session at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on August 18, 2025 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
Its round three of the United Rugby Championship and all 16 teams will be in action this weekend, with matches on Friday and Saturday.
The four South African teams are all overseas and play on Friday (Stormers) and Saturday (Lions, Sharks and Bulls).
Here then is all the team news and the fixtures.
Sharks
Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker have been included in the starting team for their match against Leinster on Saturday, while Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, who were also part of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship squad, will play off the bench.
There are eight other Bok players in the starting team. Jean Smith will continue as flyhalf, but the good news is Siya Masuku is available again and will feature among the replacements.
Among the players still out injured are Aphelele Fassi, Jordan Hendrikse, Trevor Nyakane and Yaw Penxe.
Sharks: Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Jean Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Vincent Tshituka, Emmanuel Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Marvin Orie, Jason Jenkins, Ruan Dreyer, Fez Mbatha, Simphiwe Matanzima. Bench: Bongi Mbonambi, Dian Bleuler, Vincent Koch, Bathobele Hlekani, Nick Hatton, Ross Braude, Siya Masuku, Francois Venter
Fixtures
Friday: Munster v Edinburgh 8.45pm, Scarlets v Stormers 8.45pm
Saturday: Ospreys v Zebre 4pm, Benetton v Lions 4pm, Glasgow v Dragons 6.30pm, Leinster v Sharks 6.30pm, Cardiff v Connacht 8.45pm, Ulster v Bulls 8.45pm
More to follow ….
About the Author
