United Rugby Championship News

The United Rugby Championship (URC), previously known as the Pro14, is one of Europe’s three major professional rugby leagues. It consists of 16 teams from five countries: Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

The URC initially originated from the Welsh-Scottish league in 1999. Since, it has also been known as the Celtic League, the Magners League, the Pro12 and the Pro14. The current name, the United Rugby Championship, was adopted in 2021.

United Rugby Championship Teams, Records & Format

The United Rugby Championship is contested annually from September to May. The teams are divided into four regional pools: The Irish Pool, the Scottish and Italian Pool, the South African Pool and the Welsh Pool. Each team plays their pool opponents twice (home and away), and teams from the other pools once.

The top eight teams progress to the play-offs (quarter-final, semi-final and final). These eight teams also automatically qualify for the European Rugby Championship Cup.

Historically, the United Rugby Championship has been dominated by Ireland. Irish teams have secured 14 titles, while Welsh sides have taken six. Meanwhile, Scottish and South African teams have won one tournament each. An Italian team is yet to win the URC.

The Irish team Leinster have claimed the most titles with eight wins. This is followed by Munster (4), Ospreys (4) and Scarlets (2).

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