Lions 2025/26 URC Fixtures - Get all the fixtures, dates, times & venues of the Lions URC fixtures
The Lions are gearing up for the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship season after a promising start but disappointing finish last year. Although their squad remains largely unchanged, they will aim to avoid injuries and improve consistency. The season kicks off with three away games in Europe against Cardiff, Zebre, and Benetton. The Lions hope for a better campaign, focusing on depth and strategic wins, given their exit from Champions Cup contention and entry into the Challenge Cup. Fans can expect a challenging but hopeful season ahead.
- Lions had a strong start but disappointing finish last URC season.
- Minimal squad changes; injury avoidance remains crucial.
- 2025-26 kicks off with 3 away games in Europe: Cardiff, Zebre, Benetton.
- Focus shifts to Challenge Cup after missing out on Champions Cup.
- Full URC fixture list released; readiness and depth will determine success.
Lions URC fixtures for the season ahead (Getty Images)
The Lions had a disappointing URC campaign last season after showing so much promise early on. In the opening five or six weeks, the Lions were challenging at the top of the table, but their form fell off a cliff as the tournament went on.
The Johannesburg-based franchise will hope for much better this season, although their squad has not changed all that much. They will want to avoid injuries to key players this time around as their squad just doesn't have the depth to cover.
It is also a tough start for the Lions who are away from home in the first three weeks. They will play Cardiff, Zebre and Benetton in those games, so while it is in Europe, they will fancy getting a couple results at least.
Having not qualified for the Champions Cup, the Lions will feature in the Challenge Cup. Their opening fixtures will take place on 6 and 13 December.
2025-26 Lions URC Fixtures
Below is a full list of the Lions fixtures in the United Rugby Championship for the season ahead. It does not include European games.
| Date | Time (SAST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Sep | 19:45 | Cardiff vs Lions | Cardiff Arms Park |
| 5 Oct | 14:00 | Zebre vs Lions | Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi |
| 11 Oct | 16:00 | Benetton vs Lions | Stadio Comunale Di Monigo |
| 18 Oct | 13:45 | Lions vs Sharks | Ellis Park |
| 25 Oct | 13:45 | Lions vs Ulster | Ellis Park |
| 29 Nov | 12:00 | Bulls vs Lions | Loftus Versfeld |
| 20 Dec | 13:00 | Stormers vs Lions | DHL Stadium |
| 3 Jan | 15:30 | Sharks vs Lions | Kings Park |
| 23 Jan | 19:45 | Ospreys vs Lions | TBC |
| 31 Jan | 14:30 | Lions vs Bulls | Ellis Park |
| 28 Feb | 14:30 | Lions vs Stormers | Ellis Park |
| 21 Mar | 14:45 | Lions vs Edinburgh | Ellis Park |
| 28 Mar | 16:30 | Lions vs Dragons | Ellis Park |
| 18 Apr | 16:45 | Lions vs Glasgow | Ellis Park |
| 25 Apr | 17:00 | Lions vs Connacht | Ellis Park |
| 9 May | 17:30 | Leinster vs Lions | TBC |
This is all the Lions URC fixture list for the season ahead. Challenge Cup fixtures are not included.
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