How do the URC play-offs work, and who gets home advantage?
Rule- South Africa
- United Rugby Championship
- URC
- Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers
- World Rugby laws
- All ages
- 2026/27
- Fans
The top eight clubs on the final log go into a knockout play-off. Every round is a single match.
| Quarter-final | Home team |
|---|---|
| 1st v 8th | 1st |
| 2nd v 7th | 2nd |
| 3rd v 6th | 3rd |
| 4th v 5th | 4th |
- Semi-finals follow the bracket. The club ranked higher on the final league log plays at home, unless the organisers decide otherwise. A lower-ranked club that wins its quarter-final does not take over the beaten club's ranking.
- Grand Final: played at a venue chosen by the competition organisers, not automatically at the higher-ranked club's ground.
2026/27 dates: quarter-finals 28/29 May 2027, semi-finals 5 June 2027, Grand Final 19 June 2027.
Added 21 Oct 2026