The Emirates Lions finished 11th in the 2024–25 United Rugby Championship, collecting 40 points from five wins, a draw, and 12 losses. Despite flashes of attacking promise, they fell short of the playoff places. 

Their campaign was defined by inconsistency—impressive at home in Johannesburg but struggling for wins on the road. With a relatively young squad, the Lions will look to convert experience into results this season.

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The Lions’ identity traces back to the proud history of Transvaal and Gauteng rugby before the franchise era. Rebranded in 2006 after competing as the Cats, the Emirates Lions reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals between 2016 and 2018, although they were unable to claim the title. 

Since the South African franchises shifted north, they have become a fixture in the URC and the EPCR Challenge Cup, representing Ellis Park and South African attacking rugby on a global stage.

Statistically, the Lions finished mid-pack in many categories last season. They scored 402 points and 53 tries, showing an ability to cross the line with consistency. Defensively, they made 2,738 tackles at a 77% success rate, with 141 turnovers won. 

Their scrum was a strength—winning 96 of 100 scrums (96%)—and their lineout was efficient at 89% success with 21 steals. Discipline remains a concern, with 11 yellow cards and 162 penalties conceded. Kicking yielded 23 penalties and 34 conversions, with 14,825 kicking metres.

How To Watch Emirates Lions Rugby in the U.S.

All Emirates Lions matches in the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship will stream live on FloRugby in the United States. Fans can also watch every game on the FloSports app, available on mobile, tablet, and smart TV platforms.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Emirates Lions Match in 2025–26

A FloRugby annual plan is the best way to watch every Emirates Lions game this season, plus all URC, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, and more international rugby.

Lions Rugby Schedule

• Sept. 27 – Cardiff vs Lions, Cardiff, 2:45 p.m. ET
• Oct. 5 – Zebre Parma vs Lions, Parma, 9:00 a.m. ET
• Oct. 11 – Benetton vs Lions, Treviso, 9:00 a.m. ET
• Oct. 18 – Lions vs Scarlets, Johannesburg, 7:45 a.m. ET
• Oct. 25 – Lions vs Ulster, Johannesburg, 6:45 a.m. ET
• Dec. 20 – DHL Stormers vs Lions, Cape Town, 7:30 a.m. ET
• Dec. 26 – Lions vs Sharks, Johannesburg, TBD
• Jan. 3 – Sharks vs Lions, Durban, 7:30 a.m. ET
• Jan. 23 – Ospreys vs Lions, Swansea, 1:45 p.m. ET
• Jan. 31 – Lions vs Vodacom Bulls, Johannesburg, 6:30 a.m. ET
• Feb. 28 – Lions vs DHL Stormers, Johannesburg, 6:30 a.m. ET
• Mar. 21 – Lions vs Edinburgh, Johannesburg, 7:45 a.m. ET
• Mar. 28 – Lions vs Dragons, Johannesburg, 9:30 a.m. ET
• Apr. 18 – Lions vs Glasgow Warriors, Johannesburg, 9:00 a.m. ET
• Apr. 25 – Lions vs Connacht, Johannesburg, 9:00 a.m. ET
• May 9 – Leinster vs Lions, Dublin, 11:30 a.m. ET
• May 16 – Munster vs Lions, Limerick, 1:45 p.m. ET

Lions EPCR Challenge Cup Schedule

• Dec. 6 – Lions vs Benetton, Johannesburg, 7:00 a.m. ET
• Dec. 13 – Newcastle Falcons vs Lions, Newcastle, 11:30 a.m. ET
• Jan. 10 – Lions vs Lyon OU, Johannesburg, 9:15 a.m. ET
• Jan. 17 – Perpignan vs Lions, Perpignan, 11:30 a.m. ET

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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