A new year, a new outlook. That is how at least 50% of United Rugby Championship teams entered Round 9 of the 2025-2026 season.

For a few, this vision unfolded in a mesmerizing display of hair-raising rugby. For others, 2026 started like a chaotic Christmas dinner where the unhinged uncle began spouting political views.

Leading the charge on the positive side of the ledger, the undefeated DHL Stormers overcame a titanic arm wrestle with bitter rivals, the Vodacom Bulls, in Cape Town. 

Inseparable for the bulk of 78 minutes, the South African heavyweights traded blow after blow.

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Rarely challenging each other’s line, such was the ferocity of the respective defensive displays, and it would take a moment of muscular brilliance by the Stormers to settle the contest.

Setting up shop deep in Bulls territory from a Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu penalty kick, John Dobson’s charges went to work, winning their line-out before setting up a thunderous maul that led to replacement loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu crashing over for what proved to be the decisive moment of the clash.

On paper, this contest had the potential to be a vintage Stormers, all-singing, all-dancing attacking performance against a Bulls side that came into the round with just three wins this season. Instead, last season’s finalists dragged their hosts into a bar brawl and nearly pulled off what could have been a season-altering victory. 

Now, Johan Ackermann’s side languishes in 10th position, facing the very real possibility of missing the knockout stage.

Conversely, Dobson’s men remain two points clear of the Glasgow Warriors at the top of the standings, with a game in hand.

Elsewhere, the Irish duo of Ulster and Leinster secured big-time bonus point victories over rivals Munster and Connacht, respectively. 

Joining the pair in the winner’s circle, Glasgow shredded Zebre Parma, the Dragons thumped the Scarlets, Ospreys downed Cardiff, the Lions edged the Sharks and Edinburgh snuck past Benetton.

Now that all has been said and done for Round 9 action, here is our first FloRugby Team Of The Week for 2026:

1. Pierre Schoeman, Edinburgh Rugby

Locking down a 100% scrummaging performance to go along with 17 carries, 23 tackles and a turnover says all you need to know about the Scottish star’s outing.

2. Oli Burrows, Dragons

Encapsulating the overall atmosphere around the Dragons at the moment, few would have predicted the hooker’s standout performance in Round 9. 

Scoring a glorious try, making 18 tackles, nailing all of his line-outs and winning the man-of-the-match award, the 23-year-old had a New Year’s Day to remember.

3. Wilco Louw, Vodacom Bulls

Locking horns with a Stormers scrum who has dominated all before them this season, the giant Springbok laid down a marker to his future teammates. 

Winning 100% of his feeds and attacking the Stormers looseheads on their own ball, Louw gave the Cape Town crowd a glimpse of what is coming next season when he makes the move to the coast.

4. Etienne Oosthuizen, Emirates Lions

Now 33 years old, the Lions veteran is playing arguably the best rugby of his career. 

While international honors are unlikely at this stage, there is a strong case that he has been the standout South African lock of the URC season so far.

5. Brian Deeny, Leinster Rugby

Another product of the Leinster conveyor belt, the 25-year-old is in his fifth URC season and continues to deliver when given opportunities. 

Growing his role year on year, the hard working lock scored his fourth Leinster try, while making 17 tackles and nine carries in a highly physical performance.

6. Cormac Izuchukwu, Ulster Rugby

Could the Ulster utility forward be Irish Rugby’s biggest weapon come the Six Nations?

With Ryan Baird set to be unavailable, Izuchukwu could prove a like-for-like replacement in Andy Farrell’s squad. When fit and available this season, the 25 year old has been nothing short of outstanding, to the point where he may already be Ulster’s most influential player in 2026.

7. Freddy Douglas, Edinburgh Rugby

Eager for a starting opportunity, Edinburgh’s 20-year-old sensation laid down a marker that reignites the debate around the No. 7 jersey. 

Winning four turnovers, making 16 tackles and linking effectively in attack, Douglas was a decisive figure in the win over Benetton.

8. Bryn Ward, Ulster Rugby

If Izuchukwu is pushing for Ireland selection, then Ward also must be in the conversation. 

The young No. 8 torched Munster with 50 meters from 14 carries, five defenders beaten, a try, 16 tackles and a turnover, announcing himself on the URC stage in emphatic fashion.

9. Jamison Gibson Park, Leinster Rugby

When it comes to rhythm, few players operate like Gibson Park. 

Passing crisply, kicking accurately and dictating tempo, the scrumhalf was at his fluent best against Connacht.

10. Sam Prendergast, Leinster Rugby

Still one of the great enigmas of Irish Rugby, Leinster’s young out-half was mesmeric in attack as Connacht was carved open at the Aviva Stadium. 

Defensive frailties remain, particularly off the tee and in contact, but his vision and ability to identify space continue to separate him from his peers.

11. Zac Ward, Ulster Rugby

Joining his younger brother in the back line, Ward no longer can be labeled a bolter. 

Racking up 132 meters from 13 carries, with three line breaks and 13 defenders beaten, he was unplayable at times. 

Jamie Dobie also deserves mention after scoring twice against Zebre. 

12. Charlie Tector, Leinster Rugby

Another Leinster back who impressed against Connacht, Tector is growing comfortably into the center role. 

Taking pressure off Prendergast through his distribution and kicking, the 23-year-old showcased his full skillset with two superb tries. 

13. Stafford McDowall, Glasgow Warriors

Is Huw Jones guaranteed the No. 13 shirt? Perhaps not. 

McDowall has been flawless this season, adding another try against Zebre and strengthening his case as a genuine Six Nations contender.

14. Tommy O’Brien, Leinster Rugby

Two more tries capped a breakthrough campaign for the Irish international winger. 

With elite top-end pace and relentless work rate, O’Brien now has five tries from 10 matches this season.

15. Ollie Smith, Glasgow Warriors

Another Warrior pressing for Six Nations selection, Smith delivered a tireless display at fullback, running for just under 100 meters, scoring a try and leading the defenders beaten count with six. 

How To Watch Investec Champions Cup Round 3 Matches

All Investec Champions Cup matches stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. 

Investec Champions Cup Round 3 Fixtures

Friday, Jan. 9

• 3 p.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre
• 3 p.m. ET: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, TBD

Saturday, Jan. 10

• 8 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bristol Bears, Loftus Versfeld
• 10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Glasgow Warriors, Stade Marcel-Michelin
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. La Rochelle, TBD
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Salford Community Stadium
• 3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Pau, Parc y Scarlets
• 3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Bayonne, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Sunday, Jan. 11

• 8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. DHL Stormers, Twickenham Stoop
• 8 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Munster Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol
• 10:15 a.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Northampton Saints, Stade Chaban-Delmas
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Saracens vs. Toulouse, StoneX Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Round 4 Fixtures

Friday, Jan. 16

• 3 p.m. ET: Pau vs. Vodacom Bulls, Stade du Hameau
• 3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Edinburgh Rugby, The Rec

Saturday, Jan. 17

• 8 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Clermont Auvergne, Hollywoodbets Kings Park
• 10:15 a.m. ET: Bayonne vs. Leinster Rugby, Stade Jean Dauger
• 10:15 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. Leicester Tigers, DHL Stadium
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Thomond Park
• 3 p.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Toulon, Kingsholm

Sunday, Jan. 18

• 8 a.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Bordeaux-Bègles, Ashton Gate
• 10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Scarlets, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens
• 10:15 a.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Harlequins, Stade Marcel Deflandre
• 12:30 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Saracens, Scotstoun Stadium

How To Watch Investec Champions Cup Round 3 Matches

All EPCR Challenge Cup matches stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. 

EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3 Fixtures

Sat, Jan. 10, 2026

• 7 a.m. ET: Stade Français Paris vs. Exeter Chiefs, Stade Jean Bouin
• 7 a.m. ET: US Montauban vs. Black Lion, Stade Sapiac
• 7 a.m. ET: Newcastle Red Bulls vs. Perpignan, Kingston Park
• 9:15 a.m. ET: Lions vs. Lyon O.U., Ellis Park
• 9:15 a.m. ET: Cardiff Rugby vs. Racing 92, Cardiff Arms Park
• 11:30 a.m. ET: Benetton Rugby vs. Dragons RFC, Stadio Monigo

Sun, Jan. 11, 2026

• 7 a.m. ET: Montpellier Hérault Rugby vs. Connacht Rugby, Septeo Stadium
• 7 a.m. ET: Zebre Parma vs. Ospreys, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
• 9:15 a.m. ET: Toyota Cheetahs vs. Ulster Rugby, NRCA Stadium

EPCR Challenge Cup Round 4 Fixtures

Fri, Jan. 16, 2026

• 2 p.m. ET: Dragons RFC vs. Newcastle Red Bulls, Rodney Parade

Sat, Jan. 17, 2026

• 7 a.m. ET: Ulster Rugby vs. Stade Français Paris, Affidea Stadium
• 7 a.m. ET: Black Lion vs. Zebre Parma, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
• 11:30 a.m. ET: Perpignan vs. Lions, Stade Aimé Giral
• 2 p.m. ET: Connacht Rugby vs. US Montauban, Dexcom Stadium
• 2 p.m. ET: Ospreys vs. Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Dunraven Brewery Field

Sun, Jan. 18, 2026

• 7 a.m. ET: Exeter Chiefs vs. Cardiff Rugby, Sandy Park
• 7 a.m. ET: Lyon O.U. vs. Benetton Rugby, Matmut Stadium de Gerland
• 11:30 a.m. ET: Racing 92 vs. Toyota Cheetahs, Paris La Défense Arena

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

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

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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