Weekend Results
Leinster 59 – 10 Lions
URC quarterfinal. Defending champions ruthless at Aviva. Prendergast masterclass. Lowe breaks Leinster try record on his 100th appearance.
Glasgow Warriors 33 – 21 Connacht
URC quarterfinal. Home side advance to the semi-finals at Scotstoun.
Bulls 45 – 14 Munster
URC quarterfinal. Dominant display at Loftus. Munster swept aside at altitude.
Stormers 44 – 21 Cardiff
URC quarterfinal. Stormers clinical at DHL Stadium. Cardiff's season ends in Cape Town.
Kobe Steelers 69 – 23 Tokyo Sungoliath
Japan League One semifinal. Record-breaking. Savea hat-trick. 11 tries. Kobe reach first League One final.
Kubota Spears 26 – 24 Saitama Wild Knights
Japan League One semifinal. Breathless finish. Vailea decisive. Spears edge Wild Knights.
Moana Pasifika 21 – 19 Brumbies
Super Rugby Pacific R16. Emotional farewell. Pasifika win with 14 men in a possible last-ever match.
Chiefs 59 – 34 Blues
Super Rugby Pacific R16. Chiefs hammer Blues in Hamilton. Crusaders leapfrog into 3rd.
Crusaders 47 – 14 Hurricanes
Super Rugby Pacific R16. Crusaders surge. Hurricanes beaten at home heading into qualifying finals.
Toulon 27 – 22 Bordeaux-Begles
Top 14 R25. Jaminet decisive from beyond halfway. Bordeaux field heavily rotated side.
Bristol Bears 21 – 19 Bath
Premiership R17. Bristol keep fourth-place hopes alive with spirited home win.
Northampton Saints 36 – 32 Gloucester
Premiership R17. Saints book semi-final spot. Gloucester push them to the wire.
Saracens 26 – 12 Harlequins
Premiership R17. McCall's farewell at StoneX. Saracens move into fourth.
Chicago Hounds 33 – 32 Old Glory DC
MLR Round 10. Chicago stay unbeaten but Old Glory push them to the limit in Fairfax.
URC Quarterfinals: South Africa's Statement
All four home sides advanced in the URC quarterfinals, with the South African franchises delivering the standout performances. The Bulls dismantled Munster 45-14 at Loftus, where Willie le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Handre Pollard combined behind a dominant pack that controlled the Pretoria afternoon from the first whistle. The Stormers were equally authoritative in Cape Town, dismissing Cardiff 44-21. Both results confirm what the regular season demonstrated: when the South African franchises host knockout rugby, they are a different proposition entirely.
Glasgow took care of Connacht at Scotstoun, and Leinster delivered the performance of the weekend.
LIPPY'S VIEW
We now have two South African teams in the URC semi-finals, both playing away. That may actually not end up being really good for them, as the South African teams typically don't travel well in Europe.
Leinster Unleash Fury on the Lions
Leinster 59-10 Lions: Still stinging from their Champions Cup final loss to Bordeaux-Begles the previous weekend, Leinster produced one of their most complete performances of the season. The Lions, making their first ever appearance in the URC playoffs, were overwhelmed from the opening minutes at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The result books Leinster a home semi-final against the Stormers.
LIPPY'S VIEW
James Lowe breaks the try record for Leinster, scoring 61 tries on his 100th appearance for the club, solidifying his status as a true legend of both Leinster and Irish rugby. The occasion carries a bittersweet edge: Lowe, 34, is leaving Leinster at the end of this season after nine years with the province, having been unable to reach a contract agreement with Irish rugby. He has been linked with clubs in France, England, and Japan. This would be a massive loss for Ireland, as he is a tremendous player with a big match temperament when it gets really critical. Under IRFU eligibility rules, a move abroad would end his international career.
Sam Prendergast had a very good game, which was great to see after all the flak he has received. He played with poise and confidence, and all the talk of him not being a solid option for the Irish team was put to bed. It seems that with the right mentorship, time, and patience, he can still be a really good player.
URC Semi-Final Matchups
| Semi-Final | Home | Away | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF1 | Leinster (2) | Stormers (3) | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | June 6-7 |
| SF2 | Glasgow Warriors (1) | Bulls (4) | Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow | June 6-7 |
Both South African sides play away. The Bulls face Glasgow; the Stormers face Leinster.
Japan Rugby League One: Semi-Final Fireworks
Kobe Steelers 69-23 Tokyo Sungoliath: Dave Rennie's Kobelco Kobe Steelers set a JRLO playoff record in one of the most extraordinary performances the competition has seen. Eleven tries, 69 points, and a demolition of a Sungoliath side that had Cheslin Kolbe and Sam Cane in its ranks. Ardie Savea scored a hat-trick, leading from the front in a complete team display. Kobe ran the ball from all corners of the field, executing in attack at a level that speaks directly to what Rennie has built since taking over a squad in rebuild mode.
Kubota Spears 26-24 Saitama Wild Knights: The second semi-final delivered the drama the first had not. In a breathless finish, Spears centre Halatoa Vailea produced two decisive interventions, including a try just before half-time, to edge the Wild Knights in what has become Japan's defining modern rugby rivalry. The Wild Knights had one last possession in the dying seconds with a chance to win the match, but the Spears held on. Kubota Spears advance to back-to-back finals. The final: Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Kubota Spears, Sunday June 7 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium), Tokyo.
LIPPY'S VIEW
What struck me most about the Kobe performance was not just the scoreline but what it says about Brodie Retallick. He was everywhere, on the hip of every player who scored, operating like a third loosie. Dave Rennie has said publicly that Retallick is one of the best locks in the world right now, and this was the proof. For Rennie, this is further evidence of his winning ways as a coach, and I have a very strong feeling that will translate to the All Blacks.
In the Spears-Wild Knights match, the individual who stood out for me was Malcolm Marx. His jackaling and ability to create turnovers at critical moments was world-class, a reminder of why he is arguably the best hooker on the planet right now. It was also lovely to see Bernard Foley in what is his swan song season, playing with the composure of a man who has nothing left to prove and everything to enjoy. I still think it is going to be tough for the Spears to match the firepower of the Steelers.
Super Rugby Pacific: Qualifying Finals Set
Super Rugby Pacific's regular season concluded with two significant results on the final weekend. The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 47-14 in Wellington to leapfrog the Blues into third place and earn a home qualifying final. The Chiefs defeated the Blues 59-34 in Hamilton, confirming the Blues will head to Christchurch as the away team.
Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Qualifying Finals Format
The top six teams play three qualifying finals (1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4), hosted by the higher-ranked team. The three qualifying final winners advance directly to the semi-finals. The highest-ranked losing team also advances as the "lucky loser," but enters as the fourth seed and must play away from home — a new rule introduced in 2026 to prevent a team that loses in the qualifying finals from still hosting a semi-final.
QF1 (1 v 6): Hurricanes vs Brumbies, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, Friday June 5
QF2 (2 v 5): Chiefs vs Reds, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Saturday June 6
QF3 (3 v 4): Crusaders vs Blues, One NZ Stadium (Te Kaha), Christchurch, Saturday June 6
LIPPY'S VIEW
The Blues are now going to have to play the Crusaders away, as they finished fourth in the Super Rugby standings. A tough end for a team that started off so well. And for the Crusaders, who started off so badly, it is a big turnaround. I always felt that the Crusaders are the team to watch as they get healthy and start playing in their new stadium, which has been sold out over the last four weeks, and as they play with the championship mindset that has won them all those championships in the past. I still think they are the team to watch. Even though the Hurricanes and the Chiefs still look very good, this is going to be a great Super Rugby playoff series.
Moana Pasifika: A Farewell in Style
Moana Pasifika 21-19 Brumbies: In what may have been the final match in the history of the Moana Pasifika franchise, the Pacific team produced a stirring upset of the playoff-bound Brumbies in Canberra. Down 14-0 after 18 minutes, reduced to 14 men for the final stretch after Faletoi Peni received a red card, the Pasifika side found a way. Substitute halfback Melani Matavao scored the decisive try in the 73rd minute. Patrick Pellegrini's boot did the rest. The club was placed into liquidation in April after its owners announced they would not continue funding the franchise beyond 2026. Unless a last-minute investor is approved by the league, Moana Pasifika will not exist in 2027.
LIPPY'S VIEW
It was awesome to see Moana Pasifika take the lead and beat the Brumbies late in the game in Canberra. What a great way to finish the franchise's possible last game. Very sad for the players, staff and fans, but I am happy they ended with that statement win. This shows that the Pacific Islands have world-class players, and there needs to be a way to solidify their place in world-class competition so that all this wonderful talent can be optimized.
Premiership: Final Round Jeopardy
With one round remaining, Northampton are confirmed as the top seed and Bath in second. Leicester are locked into third. The race for fourth goes to the final day next weekend, with Saracens and Exeter both still in contention.
Bristol Bears 21-19 Bath: Bristol secured a narrow home win over a Bath side with one eye firmly on the semi-finals.
Saracens 26-12 Harlequins: Mark McCall's farewell at StoneX Stadium as director of rugby deserves recognition as one of the significant moments of this Premiership season. Fifteen trophy-laden years at the helm, and he signed off with a win. McCall leaves having built one of the most successful club programs English rugby has ever seen, and the manner in which he restored the club's credibility after the salary cap scandal speaks to his character as much as his coaching ability. Tom Willis was outstanding in his last north London appearance before joining Bordeaux.
Northampton Saints 36-32 Gloucester: Northampton secured their semi-final place but were pushed to the wire by a Gloucester side that had nothing left to play for in the standings.
LIPPY'S VIEW
The Bristol-Bath game was an absolute cracker. I was expecting Bristol to get a hiding after their massive defensive frailty over recent weeks, but they came back to win. One point of note was Guy Pepper's try, but the massive swan dive on the way in was a silly thing to do. He could have easily injured himself and impacted his opportunity both to contribute to the team's playoff run and his role with England. I guess there is always a trade-off between entertainment value and that kind of recklessness.
The Gloucester-Northampton game I expected to be an absolute rout, and it ended up being the best game of the weekend. An unbelievable display of great running rugby on both sides, with Gloucester really putting Northampton to the sword. It took Northampton until the final minutes to put them away, and it was great to see a team totally out of the running still playing with that level of urgency and energy. Good for the tournament, good for the Premiership.
Next week is a very big game for both Exeter and Saracens to secure fourth spot. It is great to see this league delivering this level of jeopardy right at the death.
Premiership Standings After Round 17
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | PD | B | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northampton | 17 | 14 | 1 | 2 | +164 | 14 | 72 |
| 2 | Bath | 17 | 12 | 0 | 5 | +220 | 16 | 64 |
| 3 | Leicester | 17 | 12 | 0 | 5 | +180 | 14 | 62 |
| 4 | Exeter | 17 | 10 | 1 | 6 | +134 | 17 | 59 |
| 5 | Saracens | 17 | 10 | 0 | 7 | +199 | 17 | 57 |
| 6 | Bristol | 17 | 11 | 0 | 6 | +37 | 10 | 54 |
Top 4 qualify for playoffs. Northampton, Bath, and Leicester confirmed in top three. Exeter (59) and Saracens (57) battle for fourth in the final round. Bristol (54) can leapfrog both with a big win if other results go their way.
Top 14: Playoff Picture Takes Shape
Round 25 solidified the Top 14 picture with one round remaining. Toulouse lead comfortably in first. Montpellier, who won the Challenge Cup last weekend in Bilbao, sit second. Stade Francais Paris move third after a bonus-point win over Bayonne.
Toulon 27-22 Bordeaux-Begles: Toulon won at the Stade Mayol. Bordeaux fielded a heavily rotated squad and were well beaten at half-time before their bench changed the complexion of the game.
La Rochelle 71-15 Montauban: La Rochelle were dominant, effectively confirming Montauban's relegation in the process.
Montpellier 26-18 Pau: Montpellier secured second place with a win over Pau, who hold fourth.
LIPPY'S VIEW
In the Toulon-Bordeaux game, it was pretty clear the Bordeaux players were recovering from their Champions Cup hangover and put out mostly a second team. Toulon were way ahead, but Bordeaux came back strongly after bringing their bench on in the second half. Melvyn Jaminet then hit two kicks from over halfway to seal it. We are now in the big-stakes time of the Top 14, and it is going to be interesting to see if Bordeaux can even make the playoffs from where they sit. It would be such a pity not to see a team with that level of class and skill in the Top 14 playoff mix.
Top 14 Standings After Round 25
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | PD | B | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toulouse | 25 | 18 | 0 | 7 | +375 | 16 | 86 |
| 2 | Montpellier | 25 | 16 | 1 | 8 | +234 | 12 | 78 |
| 3 | Stade Francais Paris | 25 | 15 | 1 | 9 | +210 | 16 | 78 |
| 4 | Pau | 25 | 16 | 0 | 9 | +116 | 9 | 73 |
| 5 | Racing 92 | 25 | 15 | 1 | 9 | +94 | 8 | 70 |
| 6 | Bordeaux-Begles | 25 | 14 | 0 | 11 | +106 | 13 | 69 |
| 7 | La Rochelle | 25 | 14 | 0 | 11 | est. | 12 | 68 |
Top 6 qualify for playoffs. Toulouse and Montpellier confirmed in top two. Bordeaux-Begles (6th) currently in the final playoff spot with one round remaining.
MLR: Chicago Hounds Stay Perfect
The Chicago Hounds survived their closest scare of the 2026 MLR season, holding on to beat Old Glory DC 33-32 in Fairfax, Virginia. The result keeps Chicago unbeaten through nine matches as they head into the final regular-season round before the playoffs. Old Glory, captained by Benjamin Bonasso in the absence of rested skipper Rob Harley, pushed Chicago all the way at George Mason Stadium. Chicago have already secured the number-one seed for the playoffs, but this result is a reminder that they can be tested.
LIPPY'S VIEW
Chicago Hounds had their unbeaten season nearly upset with a 33-32 win over Old Glory. But Chicago are heads and shoulders ahead of the other teams. One more regular-season round next week and then into the semi-finals.
Around the Grounds: What the Pundits Are Saying
On the URC quarterfinals: Commentary from RugbyPass and South African rugby media has focused heavily on the Bulls performance at Loftus, describing it as one of the most authoritative home playoff performances in recent URC history. The Bulls front row is drawing specific attention, with several analysts noting that their scrum dominance set the platform for everything that followed against Munster. The emerging consensus is that while Leinster and Glasgow hold home semi-finals, both South African sides will be dangerous visitors if they can replicate their home form on the road in Europe.
On Sam Prendergast: Pundits across Ireland and the UK have been unanimous: this was the performance Leinster needed from their young flyhalf, and it arrived at precisely the right moment. The Rugby Pod noted that Prendergast has now silenced much of the criticism from earlier in the season with two big knockout performances.
On the Kobe Steelers: RugbyAsia247 and Planet Rugby are calling the 69-23 scoreline historic, framing Dave Rennie's journey at Kobe as one of the great coaching rebuilds in recent Japanese rugby. The Savea hat-trick is drawing particular attention. The Kobe-Spears final on June 7 is being flagged as must-watch rugby.
On Moana Pasifika: Wide coverage across New Zealand and Pacific rugby media has framed the Brumbies result as a fitting farewell. Tana Umaga's post-match comments were widely circulated, and the result has renewed calls from multiple outlets and former players for World Rugby and Rugby Australia to find a solution that keeps Pacific representation in Super Rugby.
On the Premiership race: The Rugby Pod and RugbyPass commentary has focused on what Saracens' revival means for next season. Mark McCall's departure is being described as the end of an era in English rugby, with most pundits agreeing he leaves a club in far better shape than the post-salary cap era lows. The final round showdown between Exeter and Saracens for fourth place is being framed as one of the most compelling Premiership finales in recent years.
Looking Ahead
URC semi-finals: Leinster host the Stormers at the Aviva Stadium; Glasgow Warriors host the Bulls at Scotstoun. Both matches the weekend of June 6-7.
Super Rugby Pacific qualifying finals: Hurricanes vs Brumbies in Wellington, Friday June 5; Chiefs vs Reds in Hamilton, Saturday June 6; Crusaders vs Blues in Christchurch, Saturday June 6.
Japan Rugby League One final: Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Kubota Spears, Sunday June 7 at MUFG Stadium, Tokyo. Third-place match: Tokyo Sungoliath vs Saitama Wild Knights, Saturday June 6.
Premiership Round 18 (final round): Bath vs Leicester; Sale vs Bristol; Harlequins vs Northampton; Gloucester vs Newcastle; Exeter vs Saracens. Fourth spot decided on the day.
Top 14 Round 26 (final round): Saturday June 6. Toulouse vs Racing 92; Bordeaux-Begles vs Clermont; La Rochelle vs Stade Francais Paris, and others. Final playoff bracket confirmed.
MLR: Final regular-season round before the semi-finals. Chicago Hounds (9-0) are the top seed.