Champions Munster learn fixture schedule for upcoming URC season

Munster ended a 12-year wait for silverware in April as they overcame the defending champions the Stormers in the URC decider.

With 102 days until the new BKT United Rugby Championship season kicks off the league has confirmed its fixture schedule in full for the 2023/24 campaign.

The league’s 23rd season will kick off on Saturday, October 21 where BKT URC champions Munster will begin their title defence on Saturday when they host the Cell C Sharks from Durban at 17:15 in Thomond Park.

Munster ended a 12-year wait for silverware in April as they overcame the defending champions the Stormers in the URC decider.

The first interpro of the season is November 10 where Munster will travel to Kingspan Stadium in Ulster. Munster host Leinster in Thomond Park on St Stephens day. The champions round out their season away to Edinburgh on Friday May 17.

After a two-year window of home or away fixtures against non-Shield opponents, the sequencing has been refreshed. The home and away sequence from this season will be reversed for the 2024/25 campaign to ensure a fair balance of home and away games against the same opponents over a two-year cycle.

The opening weekends of the BKT URC will see games played across Saturday and Sunday afternoons/evenings to avoid clashes with Rugby World Cup fixtures on Friday and Saturday nights.

With no November Test series break, BKT URC teams will take on a schedule of 11 consecutive weekends of rugby (including EPCR) so January will also provide two relief weekends for teams to take a break in play and to accommodate traditional festive fixturing on December 26 (Tuesday) in Wales and Ireland.

Just like last season fans can download fixtures directly into their devices by clicking here.