Former Ireland international: Why South African teams in URC benefit rugby globally
Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan praised the inclusion of South African sides in the United Rugby Championship for enhancing competition and player development, despite the increased travel challenges. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The long-held debate about whether South African sides in the United Rugby Championship (URC) is practical given all the extra travelling it entails continues, and former Ireland back-rower Alan Quinlan believes it’s an overwhelmingly beneficial inclusion for the teams.
There are currently 16 teams competing in the URC, and the Stormers top the log after eight wins in a row to begin their campaign.
The next best-placed side is the Lions down in seventh, while the Bulls are 11th and the Sharks 14th.
For the SA sides, there is distinctly more travelling involved.
Quinlan Discusses URC’s Impact and Praises Rassie Erasmus’s Influence on South African Rugby
"It's a challenge, but nothing new now. I think having them in the URC is a great concept and has improved the competition dramatically. It's bad news for everyone else because those teams are getting better, their players are getting better and it's benefitting their international sides as well,” speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest Six Nations odds, Quinlan said.
"For the Irish provinces, going down to play two games is tough. It’s a 12-month season practically for a lot of their players. But ultimately, having South Africa in the URC benefits everyone by raising the standard.”
On Monday, Quinlan also praised Rassie Erasmus for his impact on South African rugby.
“Yeah, he is [the greatest rugby coach ever]. I think South Africa will be firm favourites going into the 2027 World Cup. Their depth chart is incredible. South Africa have always had the players, but what he has done is structurally changed everything: aligned the unions, the pathways, consistency in communication, and fitness requirements.”