New year, fresh rugby action.

United Rugby Championship play opens the new year with a Dragons vs. Scarlets match at Rodney Parade on Jan. 1. 

Along with Munster vs. Ulster, and Stormers vs. Bulls, the early games also feature some hot regional rivalries.

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This weekend is not only vital to start 2026 off on a high note, it also is the last chance for teams to sharpen their games before European competition resumes. Both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup return from the hiatus for two more group-stage rounds.

Here are three must-watch matches as the URC speeds into the new year:

Dragons vs. Scarlets – Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. ET

A regional rivalry as the 2026 opener—rugby can’t get much better than this.

The Scarlets head to Newport, Wales, to face off against their Welsh rivals, the Dragons. Their recent head-to-head matches are nearly split down the middle, with three wins for the Scarlets and two for the Dragons.

Both teams have won two of their last five matches and enter the new year coming off losses. Looking to turn things around and earn regional bragging rights, both the Dragons and Scarlets will bring their A-game.

Ulster vs. Munster – Jan. 2 at 2:45 p.m. ET

Ulster and Munster certainly are well-acquainted.

The pair have played this interprovincial rivalry match dating back to the 1870s. Over the past two years, Munster has reigned, but Ulster’s grit often takes the squad the extra mile.

In fact, Ulster’s recent form shows this team is on the upswing, winning one more game than Munster over the last five matches.

With only one win separating their URC season records (Munster 6, Ulster 5) and Ulster holding home-pitch advantage, this matchup may tip the rivalry momentum in a new direction.

Stormers vs. Bulls – Jan. 3 at 11:00 a.m. ET

One of South African rugby’s fiercest rivalries kicks off the new year, as the DHL Stormers host the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium.

The Stormers hold a slight edge in recent head-to-head meetings, winning three of the last five clashes, though the margins have been razor-thin. 

Current form favors the home side, with the Stormers unbeaten in their last five matches, while the Bulls enter looking to snap a tough run of losses. 

With momentum, pride and home advantage at stake, this rivalry clash is set to deliver another hard-fought chapter.

URC Fixtures: Round 9 Schedule

Thursday, Jan. 1

• 10 AM ET – Dragons vs Scarlets
• 12:30 PM ET – Ospreys vs Cardiff

Friday, Jan. 2

• 2:45 PM ET – Ulster vs Munster

Saturday, Jan.  3

• 8:30 AM ET – Sharks vs Lions
• 11 AM ET – DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Bulls
• 12:30 PM ET – Benetton vs Edinburgh
• 12:30 PM ET – Leinster vs Connacht
• 2:45 PM ET – Glasgow Warriors vs Zebre Parma

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