URC Round 8 Shakes Up Standings: Stormers Maintain Lead in Thrilling Weekend of Rugby
The United Rugby Championship (URC) delivered a weekend of compelling clashes, with dramatic results reshaping the league table. From tight Welsh derbies to dominant displays in Italy and Scotland, Round 8 provided a feast for rugby fans. This breaking news update from Archyde.com brings you all the key results, updated standings, and a preview of what’s to come – all optimized for Google News and SEO visibility.
Welsh Fireworks and Italian Flair
The action kicked off with two fiercely contested Welsh derbies. Cardiff Rugby narrowly edged out Dragons RFC 22-19 in a nail-biting encounter, while Ospreys secured a convincing away victory against Scarlets with a 26-19 scoreline in Llanelli. These Welsh clashes are always characterized by intense physicality and local pride, and this round was no exception. Did you know that the URC, formerly known as Pro14, was formed in 2017 to create a more competitive and commercially viable league for professional rugby in Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales?
Across the continent, Benetton Rugby showcased their attacking prowess with a 37-23 win over Zebre Parma. Argentine international Ignacio Mendy added to the Treviso team’s tally with a try, highlighting the growing influence of South American talent in European rugby. The URC is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for international stars, offering a platform for players to develop and gain exposure.
Scottish Strength and Irish Intensity
Glasgow Warriors demonstrated their dominance in Scotland, overpowering Edinburgh Rugby 21-3. This victory solidifies Glasgow’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the URC. Meanwhile, Ireland hosted two high-stakes matches. Connacht Rugby fell short against Ulster Rugby in a 24-29 thriller, while Leinster Rugby continued their impressive form with a 23-8 victory over Munster Rugby. The rivalry between Leinster and Munster is one of the most storied in Irish rugby, consistently delivering captivating contests.
URC Round 8: Full Results
- Cardiff Rugby 22-19 Dragons RFC
- Scarlets 19-26 Ospreys
- Zebre Parma 23-37 Benetton Rugby
- Edinburgh Rugby 3-21 Glasgow Warriors
- Connacht Rugby 24-29 Ulster Rugby
- Munster Rugby 8-23 Leinster Rugby
- Lions vs Hollywoodbets Sharks (21/2/2026)
- Vodacom Bulls vs DHL Stormers (14/3/2026)
Looking Ahead: Round 9 Fixtures
The URC action continues swiftly with Round 9. Here’s a look at the upcoming fixtures:
- Dragons RFC vs Scarlets (1/1)
- Ospreys vs Cardiff Rugby (1/1)
- Ulster Rugby vs Munster Rugby (2/1)
- Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Lions (3/1)
- DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Bulls (3/1)
- Benetton Rugby vs Edinburgh Rugby (3/1)
- Leinster Rugby vs Connacht Rugby (3/1)
- Glasgow Warriors vs Zebra Parma (3/1)
Current URC Standings
- DHL Stormers 32 points
- Munster Rugby 30
- Cardiff Rugby 30
- Glasgow Warriors 29
- Ulster Rugby 27
- Leinster Rugby 25
- Benetton Rugby 18
- Lions 17
- Connacht Rugby 16
- Vodacom Bulls 15
- Edinburgh Rugby 13
- Ospreys 13
- Hollywoodbets Sharks 12
- Parma Zebras 11
- Dragons RFC 11
- Scarlets 9
The DHL Stormers continue to lead the charge, but the chasing pack – particularly Munster Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, and Glasgow Warriors – are breathing down their necks. The URC’s unique format, incorporating teams from multiple nations, creates a dynamic and unpredictable competition. Keep checking back with Archyde.com for the latest updates, analysis, and insights into the world of professional rugby. The league’s commitment to developing local talent alongside attracting international stars promises an exciting future for the URC.
