Who needs what to make URC play-offs?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Who needs what to make URC play-offs? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Munster, Cardiff, Ulster and Connacht are in contention for the URC play-offsByChris KirwanBBC Sport WalesPublished2 hours agoAfter seven months of league action, the race for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs is going down to the wire. After a break for European semi-finals, the URC returns for the final two rounds of the regular season with plenty still to be decided.

The tussle for seedings in the top four - and home advantage in the quarter-finals - is tight but not as tense as who finishes in the top eight. Cardiff missed out by a point last season after Lions were pipped by Ospreys on games won a year earlier. Sport looks at what is at stake in the final games and how other results could impact Champions Cup qualification.

Match Details

Morgan set for 'emotional' last Ospreys home game Published15 hours agoHow Wainwright became Dragons great before Parade goodbye Published15 hours agoURC standingsImage source, SportFighting for top spotImage source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Glasgow beat Stormers in the 2025 play-off quarter-finalsFirst place is of huge value given that it will mean home advantage throughout the play-offs, including the Grand Final on Saturday, 20 June. Stormers and Glasgow have secured play-off places, though the South Africans suffered a surprise home defeat by Connacht in round 15. Both teams face the same opposition in the final weeks against Cardiff and Ulster, who are also chasing play-off spots.

Defending champions Leinster and Lions can also secure home advantage in the quarter-finals and meet in Dublin on Saturday, 9 May. Munster are chasing hard while seventh-placed Bulls look threatening. Lions and Leinster have one foot in the play-offs so it appears five clubs are chasing the final four spots.

The Irish trio of Munster, Ulster and Connacht as well as Cardiff and Bulls - who have lost three of the last four finals - are battling for those places. Connacht stunned Stormers in Cape Town but are three points off the pack and defeat by Munster this weekend could end their bid if other results also go against them. "This one has got real significance because of the league position.

Reactions and Expectations

We are fighting for every point," said head coach Stuart Lancaster. "Every team above us is playing meaningful games where they can take points off each other, so there's a lot to play for. "Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Connacht won the Pro12 in 2016 but have missed out on play-off places for the past two seasonsMunster would be nervously looking over their shoulder if they lose in Galway, with a final fixture against Lions.

Nonetheless, Gavin Coombes remains confident in the bid to repeat their 2023 title triumph. "We're so tight and connected as a group that belief inside this building is huge," said the back-row forward.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.