BKT URC: Team-By-Team Guide For 2023/24

2023/24 BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – TEAM-BY-TEAM GUIDE:

BENETTON RUGBY

The team from Treviso have gone well in pre-season with three straight victories, including wins over Ulster and Perpignan, while new recruits Malakai Fekitoa and Paolo Odogwu will add potency behind the scrum.

Home Ground: Stadio di Monigo
Last Season: 11th
Coach: Marco Bortolami

Star Turn: Michele Lamaro – The Italian skipper leads by example with his tireless endeavour in the mould of another inspirational back row captain of the Azzurri, one Sergio Parisse.

Rising Talent: Tommaso Menoncello – It was a real shame the 21-year-old missed the Rugby World Cup with a bicep injury because he is such a threat with ball in hand, either in the centre or on the wing.

Players In: Malakai Fekitoa (Munster), Paolo Odogwu (Stade Français), Andy Uren (Bristol Bears), Edoardo Iachizzi (Vannes), Giosuè Zilocchi (London Irish), Eli Snyman (Leicester Tigers), Gideon Koegelenberg (Kurita Water Gush Akishima), Mirco Spagnolo (Petrarca Rugby), Nicolò Casilio (Rugby Colorno), Santiago Ruiz (Pampas XV)

Players Out: Carl Wegner (Toyota Cheetahs), Cherif Traorè (Mont-de-Marsan), Nicola Piantella (Zebre Parma), Enzo Avaca (Mogliano Rugby), Giuliano Avaca (Mogliano Rugby), Matteo Meggiato (Rugby Rovigo Delta), Mattia Bellini (Petrarca Rugby), Matteo Drudi (Fiamme Oro), Braam Steyn (released), Manuel Arroyo (released), Manfredi Albanese (retired), Corniel Els (retired)

CARDIFF RUGBY

There has been a lot of change at the Arms Park. Matt Sherratt has stepped up from his assistant’s role following the departure of director of rugby Dai Young, while a number of high-profile players have moved on. New South African out-half Tinus de Beer is set to be a key man with Jarrod Evans and Rhys Priestland among the leavers.

Home Ground: Arms Park
Last Season: 10th
Coach: Matt Sherratt

Star Turn: Tomos Williams – The Wales scrum half will be crucial in setting the high tempo Cardiff want to play at, while his sniping around the fringes is always a threat as he proved with his try in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

Rising Talent: Theo Cabango – The brother of Wales football international Ben Cabango, fit-again winger Theo is seriously rapid with great feet and has already demonstrated his finishing prowess in pre-season.

Players In: Tinus de Beer (Airlink Pumas), Arwel Robson (Cornish Pirates), Rhys Litterick (Harlequins), Ciaran Parker (London Irish), Matthew Aubrey (Ospreys), Max Clark (Dragons – loan)

Players Out: Liam Williams (Kubota Spears), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Lloyd Williams (Ealing Trailfindsers), Dillon Lewis (Harlequins), Max Llewellyn (Gloucester), James Ratti (Ospreys), Brad Thyer (Ealing Trailfinders), Joe Peard (Ampthill), Kristian Dacey (Brecon), Kirby Myhill (released), Dmitri Arhip (released), Willis Halaholo (released), Josh Navidi (retired), Jason Harries (retired)

CONNACHT RUGBY

Pete Wilkins, who has been part of the coaching set-up at the province for six years, is now in the hot seat with Andy Friend having returned to Australia. Sadly, box office signing Santiago Cordero will miss most of the season, with the Pumas winger sustaining a serious knee injury in training.

Home Ground: The Sportsground
Last Season: Semi-finalists (7th in table)
Coach: Pete Wilkins

Star Turn: Bundee Aki – One of the players of the Rugby World Cup, where he reached a new level for Ireland, with a series of stand-out displays in the centre. So powerful, yet is now running more astute lines than ever.

Rising Talent: Niall Murray – Quite literally a rising talent. The 24-year-old second row leapt high to pull off way more lineout steals than any other player in the BKT URC last season – 17 in total compared to the next best on nine.

Players In: Santiago Cordero (Bordeaux-Begles), JJ Hanrahan (Dragons), Joe Joyce (Bristol Bears), Sean Jansen (Leicester Tigers), Sean O’Brien (Leinster), Liam McNamara (Ireland Sevens), Andrew Smith (Leinster), Tadgh McElroy (Leinster), Declan Moore (Ulster – loan), Michael McDonald (Ulster – loan)

Players Out: Kieran Marmion (Bristol Bears), Ciaran Booth (Jersey Reds), Peter Sullivan (Jersey Reds), Adam Byrne (released), Leva Fifita (Oyonnax), Conor Fitzgerald (released), Sean Masterson (released), Shane Delahunt (retired), Alex Wootton (retired)

DHL STORMERS

Title winners in their first season in the BKT URC, losing finalists in their second, the Cape Town collective are likely to be major forces in the competition once again, with Springbok full-back Warrick Gelant a man to watch following his return from Racing 92.

Home Ground: DHL Stadium
Last Season: Runners-up (3rd in table)
Coach: John Dobson

Star Turn: Manie Libbok – The leading points scorer in the BKT URC by a country mile last season, with 217 compared to his closest rival on 139. Now, the gifted out-half is just two games away from Rugby World Cup glory.

Rising Talent: Hacjivah Dayimani – His surname means ‘diamond’ in Xhosa, and this number 8 is certainly a jewel in the Stormers’ crown, with pace that would not go amiss on the wing.

Players In: Warrick Gelant (Racing 92), Sti Sithole (Emirates Lions), Lizo Gqoboka (Vodacom Bulls), Ben Loader (London Irish), Courtnall Skosan (Northampton Saints), Hendre Stassen (unattached)

Players Out: Steven Kitshoff (Ulster), Marvin Orie (Perpignan), Ernst van Rhyn (Sale Sharks), Kade Wolhuter (Lions – loan)

DRAGONS RFC

Now back in private ownership following six years under the WRU and there is a sense of a new beginning. Pre-season form has been promising with victories over both the Ospreys and the Scarlets, while Dan Lydiate’s return after a decade away will add clout in every sense.

Home Ground: Rodney Parade
Last Season: 15th
Coach: Dai Flanagan

Star Turn: Rio Dyer – Has consistently caught the eye during his outings on the wing for Wales this year, with his searing speed, his evasive footwork, and his ceaseless kick chase.

Rising Talent: Will Reed – There is a big opportunity for the 21-year-old out-half with Sam Davies and JJ Hanrahan having both moved on. A gifted young man who reads the game well.

Players In: Dane Blacker (Scarlets), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Corey Baldwin (Scarlets), Cai Evans (Ospreys), Rodrigo Martínez (Pampas XV)

Players Out: Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Sam Davies (Grenoble), Ross Moriarty (Brive), JJ Hanrahan (Connacht), Huw Taylor (RGC), Ioan Davies (Newport), Luke Yendle (Ampthill – loan), Rob Evans (Miami Sharks), Ben Fry (Dallas Jackals), Lennon Greggains (released), Ben Moa (released)

EDINBURGH RUGBY

Another team with a new head coach, former Hollywoodbets Sharks boss Sean Everitt having come on board following Mike Blair’s decision to stand down. The acquisition of international out-half Ben Healy from Munster should be a pivotal signing.

Home Ground: Hive Stadium
Last Season: 12th
Coach: Sean Everitt

Star Turn: Darcy Graham – Few players beat more defenders in the BKT URC last season than the Scotland winger. It must be like trying to pin down an eel playing against him.

Rising Talent: Ewan Ashman – Born in Toronto and came through at Sale Sharks, but now very much part of Scotland’s set-up, with his mobility making this 23-year-old hooker a real asset.

Players In: Ben Healy (Munster), Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks), Javan Sebastian (Scarlets), D’Arcy Rae (Montpellier), Tom Dodd (Coventry), Mitch Eadie (Toronto Arrows), Robin Hislop (Saracens), Cameron Neild (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Steele (Harlequins), Tim Swiel (Toyota Shokki)

Players Out: Jaco van der Walt (Vodacom Bulls), Damien Hoyland (Old Glory DC), Cammy Hutchison (Newcastle Falcons), Henry Immelman (Vodacom Bulls), Jack Blain (Warrringah Rats), Harrison Courtney (Doncaster Knights), Jamie Jack (Bedford Blues), Bruce Houston (Heriot’s), Nick Auterac (retired), Henry Pyrgos (retired), Nick Haining (retired), Lee-Roy Atalifo (retired), Pierce Phillips (retired)

EMIRATES LIONS

The Johannesburg-based outfit played some really entertaining rugby last season and only narrowly missed out on the play-offs. They have a spicy opening fixture, as they play hosts to the DHL Stormers this weekend.

Home Ground: Emirates Airline Park
Last Season: 9th
Coach: Ivan van Rooyen

Star Turn: Edwill van der Merwe – The former DHL Stormers winger beat no fewer than 37 defenders in the league last season, while he also produced a remarkable try-saving tackle against Stade Francais in Europe.

Rising Talent: Henco van Wyk – The Junior Springboks’ Player of the Year in 2021, this 22-year-old centre is just going from strength to strength. Scores tries and stops tries – not a bad combination.

Players In: Erich Cronjé (Zebre Parma), Zander du Plessis (Windhoek Draught Griquas), Richard Kriel (Zebre Parma), Conraad van Vuuren (Toyota Cheetahs), Kade Wolhuter (DHL Stormers – loan), Johan Mulder

Players Out: Sti Sithole (DHL Stormers), Pieter Jansen van Vuren (Biarritz Olympique), Michael van Vuuren (Newcastle Falcons), André Warner (Agen), Jaco Kriel (retired), Jannie du Plessis (retired)

GLASGOW WARRIORS

It was a pretty positive first campaign under Franco Smith, with the lineout drive becoming a mighty weapon, complemented by a cutting edge behind. Finished fourth before a home defeat to eventual champions Munster in the play-offs. Expect them to challenge hard again.

Home Ground: Scotstoun Stadium
Last Season: Quarter-finalists (4th in table)
Coach: Franco Smith

Star Turn: Sebastián Cancelliere – The Argentinian winger was just too hot to handle last season, making the second most clean breaks in the league, leaving a trail of defenders clutching thin air.

Rising Talent: Rory Darge – Given he is now a regular starter for Scotland, it is easy to forget he is still only 23. There is so much to come from the Edinburgh-born flanker.

Players In: Henco Venter (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kyle Rowe (London Irish), Facundo Cordero (Exeter Chiefs), Logan Trotter (London Irish), Gregor Hiddleston (Stirling Wolves), Richie Simpson (Ayrshire Bulls), Greg Peterson (Newcastle Falcons)

Players Out: Sam Johnson (Brive), Lewis Bean (Montauban), Cole Forbes (Bay of Plenty), Cameron Neild (Edinburgh), Domingo Miotti (Oyonnax), Ryan Wilson (released), Simon Berghan (retired)

HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS

A new title sponsor and a new head coach in the vastly experienced Kiwi John Plumtree, who is back with the team he starred for as a player and coached more than a decade ago.

Home Ground: Hollywoodbets Kings Park
Last Season: Quarter-finalists (8th in table)
Coach: John Plumtree

Star Turn: Eben Etzebeth – One of the true greats of the modern game, as he demonstrated yet again during the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory over France. Will bring a real physical edge to the Durban outfit who he joined from Toulon last year.

Rising Talent: Aphelele Fassi – A quick and agile winger with a silky skill-set. Re-signed for the Hollywoodbets Sharks earlier this year to end the speculation he was moving to the DHL Stormers.

Players In: Vincent Koch (Stade Français), Coenie Oosthuizen (Sale Sharks), Francois Hougaard (Saracens), Siya Masuku (Toyota Cheetahs), Diego Appollis (Airlink Pumas), George Cronjé (Toyota Cheetahs), Ig Prinsloo (Airlink Pumas)

Players Out: Siya Kolisi (Racing 92), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Thaakir Abrahams (Lyon), Carlü Sadie (Bordeaux-Begles), Henco Venter (Glasgow Warriors), Khutha Mchunu (Vodacom Bulls), Ben Tapuai (Bordeaux-Begles), Thembelani Bholi (Valence Romans), Mpilo Gumede (Vodacom Bulls), Fred Zeilinga (Bourg-en-Bresse), Ockie Barnard (Saitama Wild Knights)

LEINSTER RUGBY

Having gone without any silverware for the past couple of seasons, Leinster will be on a mission as they face up to life after Jonathan Sexton. Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber joins after the Rugby World Cup, which is some addition to the staff. With their outstanding strength in depth, you know they will be right up there.

Home Ground: The RDS
Last Season: Semi-finalists (1st in table)
Coach: Leo Cullen

Star Turn: Josh van der Flier – So many to choose from, but it is hard to look beyond the current World Rugby Player of the Year. A non-stop ball of energy on the flank who is into everything, every time.

Rising Talent: Joe McCarthy – The 22-year-old second row will have gained so much from his Rugby World Cup experience. Born in Manhattan, but schooled and developed in Dublin.

Players In: Sam Prendergast (Academy), Rob Russell (Academy), John McKee (Academy), Alex Soroka (Academy), Lee Barron (Academy)

Players Out: Vakhtang Abdaladze (Brive), Dave Kearney (Chicago Hounds), Nick McCarthy (Chicago Hounds), Tadgh McElroy (Connacht), Andrew Smith (Connacht), Sean O’Brien (Connacht), Max O’Reilly (released), Marcus Hanan (released), Jonathan Sexton (retired), Charlie Ryan (retired), James Tracy (retired)

MUNSTER RUGBY

Munster have left themselves some act to follow after last season’s heroics, with a succession of huge results on the road culminating in victory over the DHL Stormers in the Cape Town final. Will strain every sinew to defend their title.

Home Grounds: Thomond Park & Musgrave Park
Last Season: Champions (5th in table)
Coach: Graham Rowntree

Star Turn: Tadhg Beirne – One of the outstanding forwards in world rugby whether at lock or on the blindside flank. So good over the ball and so athletic both in the lineout and the loose.

Rising Talent: Gavin Coombes – Made more carries (246) than anyone else in the BKT URC last season, while also scoring 10 tries with this bullocking power at number 8.

Players In: Sean O’Brien (Exeter Chiefs), Alex Nankivell (Crusaders), John Ryan (Chiefs), Cian Hurley (Academy), Patrick Campbell (Academy)

Players Out: Malakai Fekitoa (Benetton Rugby), Kiran McDonald (Newcastle Falcons), Ben Healy (Edinburgh), Eoin O’Connor (Exeter Chiefs), Chris Farrell (Oyonnax), Oli Morris (Ampthill), James French (Ulster), Dan Goggin (Montauban), Liam O’Connor (retired), Paddy Kelly (retired), Keith Earls (retired)

OSPREYS RUGBY

For the first time in close on 20 years, there is no Alun Wyn Jones on the squad list, while further hugely-experienced figures have departed in Rhys Webb, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Lydiate, Tomas Francis and Bradley Davies. But you still have current Wales stars like Jac Morgan, George North, Adam Beard, Dewi Lake and Gareth Thomas on hand.

Home Ground: Swansea.com Stadium
Last Season: 13th
Coach: Toby Booth

Star Turn: Justin Tipuric – Having retired from international rugby, the 93-times capped flanker will be a priceless season-long asset for the team he has served so well over the past 14 years.

Rising Talent: Morgan Morris – The versatile back rower has been such a consistent performer over the past couple of seasons, with his dynamic carrying and breakdown brilliance.

Players In: James Ratti (Cardiff Rugby), Ethan Lewis (Saracens), Toby Fricker (Bristol Bears), Luke Davies (Jersey Reds), Dom Morris Saracens (loan)

Players Out: Alun Wyn Jones (Toulon), Rhys Webb (Biarritz Olympique), Gareth Anscombe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Joe Hawkins (Exeter Chiefs), Cai Evans (Dragons), Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler (Toyota Industries Shuttles), Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Tomas Francis (Provence), Michael Collins (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Sam Cross (Newcastle Falcons), Tom Cowan-Dickie (Plymouth Albion), Matthew Aubrey (Cardiff Rugby), Osian Knott (Swansea), Stephen Myler (retired), Scott Baldwin (retired), Bradley Davies (retired), Dan Evans (retired), Elvis Taione (retired)

SCARLETS

Former Springbok Albert van den Berg and ex-Ireland star Jared Payne have joined the coaching team, while Taine Plumtree and Ioan Lloyd look key signings. After just one victory in their first nine games last season, they then won 11 of their next 13 in all competitions, so will want to carry on that latter form. Back rower Josh Macleod takes over the captaincy.

Home Ground: Parc y Scarlets
Last Season: 14th
Coach: Dwayne Peel

Star Turn: Vaea Fifita – The ex-All Black and now Tongan international is such a threat with ball in hand. Has been used a fair bit at lock, but likely to be utilised in the back row to allow him to wreak the greatest havoc.

Rising Talent: Ryan Conbeer – The 24-year-old winger could beat you in a phone box. Blessed with a lethal step, he made the second most clean breaks in the BKT URC last season.

Players In: Ioan Lloyd (Bristol Bears), Taine Plumtree (Blues/Wellington Lions), Alex Craig (Gloucester), Tomi Lewis (Jersey Reds), Efan Jones (RGC), Teddy Leatherbarrow (Loughborough University), Ed Scragg (London Irish) Charlie Titcombe (Loughborough University), Archie Hughes (Academy)

Players Out: Rhys Patchell (Highlanders), Sione Kalamafoni (Vannes), WillGriff John (Racing 92), Dane Blacker (Dragons), Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh), Tomas Lezana (Montauban), Corey Baldwin (Dragons), Phil Price (Bridgend), Harry Williams (Ampthill), Josh Helps (Carmarthen Quins), Iestyn Rees (Ampthill), Taylor Davies (Llandovery), Griff Evans (Ampthill), Leigh Halfpenny (released), Tom Price (released), Blade Thomson (retired), Aaron Shingler (retired), Alex Jeffries (retired), Lewis Rawlins, Daf Hughes

ULSTER RUGBY

After finishing second at the end of the regular season, a quarter-final defeat at home to Connacht really stung. They will want to make amends. The star signing of Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff is the big news on the recruitment front.

Home Ground: Kingspan Stadium
Last Season: Quarter-finalists (2nd in table)
Coach: Dan McFarland

Star Turn: John Cooney – Retaining the scrum half on a new deal has been a major boost as only the DHL Stormers’ Manie Libbok scored more points than him in the BKT URC last season.

Rising Talent: Tom Stewart – The 22-year-old hooker set a new try-scoring record for the league last term, with his 16 touchdowns surpassing the previous best of 14 by wingers Tim Visser (Edinburgh, 2010/11) and Rabz Maxwane (Toyota Cheetahs, 2019/20).

Players In: Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs), James French (Munster), Ben Griffin (Clontarf), Ben Carson (Academy), Reuben Crothers (Academy), James McCormick (Academy), Conor McKee (Academy), Harry Sheridan (Academy), Greg McGrath (Jersey Reds)

Players Out: Sam Carter (Leicester Tigers), Frank Bradshaw-Ryan (Montauban), Gareth Milasinovich (Valence Romans), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Queensland Reds), Declan Moore (Connacht – loan), Michael McDonald (Connacht – loan), Craig Gilroy (released), Rob Lyttle (released), Duane Vermeulen (released), Rory Sutherland (released), Ian Madigan (retired), Jordi Murphy (retired)

VODACOM BULLS

The Pretoria-based Bulls have been very busy, with Willie Le Roux, Akker van der Merwe and Wilco Louw notable signings, while former Springboks assistant coach Gary Gold is among the additions on the coaching front. It looks like the mean business.

Home Ground: Loftus Versfeld
Last Season: Quarter-finalists (6th in table)
Coach: Jake White

Star Turn: Kurt–Lee Arendse – Quick, elusive and knows his way to the try-line. With fellow South Africa flyer Canan Moodie also on their books, the Bulls have some serious firepower out wide.

Rising Talent: Elrigh Louw – The 24-year-old back rower made the second most carries in the league last season. A real physical presence at 6ft 5ins and 17st 6lbs.

Players In: Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Jaco van der Walt (Edinburgh), Devon Williams (Airlink Pumas), Henry Immelman (Edinburgh), Sebastian de Klerk (Airlink Pumas), Sergeal Petersen (Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks), Akker van der Merwe (Sale Sharks), Jannes Kirsten (Exeter Chiefs), Devon Williams (Airlink Pumas), Khutha Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Deon Slabbert (Airlink Pumas), Mpilo Gumede (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Players Out: Lizo Gqoboka (DHL Stormers), Sbu Nkosi (released), Morné Steyn (retired), Bismarck du Plessis (retired)

ZEBRE PARMA

The only way is up for the Italians, given they finished bottom of the table last season without a single league win to their name. They have really shaken up their squad with a major turnover in personnel in a bid to change their fortunes.

Home Ground: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Last Season: 16th
Coach: Fabio Roselli

Star Turn: Jake Polledri – If he can put his wretched luck with injuries behind him and stay fit, the dynamic Azzurri back rower could make a real impact following his arrival from Gloucester.

Rising Talent: Simone Gesi – The 22-year-old winger is an absolute flyer. So fast and so elusive. Made his Test debut for Italy earlier this year and has a bright future.

Players In: Danilo Fischetti (London Irish), Jake Polledri (Gloucester), Filippo Bozzoni (Rugby Calvisano), Ben Cambriani (Ampthill), Scott Gregory (Highlanders), Luca Morisi (London Irish), Fetuli Paea (Highlanders), Matteo Canali (Petrarca Rugby), Dylan De Leeuw (Western Province), Tommaso di Bartolomeo (Petrarca Rugby), Giovanni Montemauri (Rugby Rovigo Delta), Nicola Piantella (Mogliano Rugby), Bautista Stavile (Rugby Rovigo Delta), Liam Zocchi-Dommann (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Players Out: Joshua Furno (Dax), Matt Kvesic (Coventry), Erich Cronjé (Emirates Lions), Dennis Visser (Narbonne), Richard Kriel (Emirates Lions), Joey Caputo (Petrarca Rugby), Chris Cook (released), Jacques du Toit (released), MJ Pelser (released), Jan Uys (released), Kobus van Wyk (released), Gabriele Venditti (released), Johan Meyer (retired)