Vodacom URC CEO Martin Anayi has lauded the success of derby rounds during the festive season and called for a global rugby calendar.
This past weekend’s round-eight derby matches – two in Wales, two in Ireland, one in Scotland and one in Italy, drew a total of 98,743 fans.
The two South African derbies – Vodacom Bulls vs Stormers and Lions vs Sharks – were rescheduled until February and March, respectively.
“Derby rounds in United Rugby Championship over Xmas holidays just work!” Anayi wrote on LinkedIn. “Our clubs welcomed 98,743 fans and we have two fixtures left to play (SA derbies) – just so good to see full houses/big stadium rugby in club colours – it’s OUR space in the calendar, part of fans holiday plans and the rugby on the pitch lived up to the billing!
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“Shows point of difference for the club game – bringing families together with a clarity of narrative we can build on, we now need a properly global calendar – that’s top of the action list of 2026! But for now we can look forward to the New Year’s Day games and bumper extended weekend, love it!”
The current rugby schedule sees the opening rounds of the URC clash with Sanzaar’s Rugby Championship, with Springbok players also rested at various other stages of the URC. There have been calls for the Rugby Championship to be staged at the same time as the Six Nations, in February and March.
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South Africa’s URC sides will be in action again on Saturday, with the Lions travelling to Durban to face the Sharks and the Stormers hosting the Bulls in Cape Town.
Photo: @EdinburghRugby/X
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