South Africans win big in rugby’s URC & Premiership finals

Published on 16th June 2025 | Leave a response

South Africans were big winners in the final of the URC in Dublin and the final of the Premiership at Twickenham.

Leinster’s Springboks lock RG Snyman became the first player to win the Vodacom URC title twice, having won with Munster in the second season of the league, while former Bulls and Springboks assistant coach Johann van Graan, as head coach, inspired Bath to their first Premiership title in 29 years and a historic season treble of titles.

Thomas du Toit, at prop, scored a try in Bath’s win against Leinster.

Here’s your weekend wrap.

URC Final – Leinster Outclass Bulls to Lift First URC Title

Leinster delivered a ruthless performance to claim their maiden URC title with a 32–7 demolition of the Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park. The Irish giants dominated from start to finish, bossing the breakdown, dictating tempo, and shutting down the Bulls’ physical threat. It’s Leinster’s first silverware since 2021 and sweet redemption after three straight URC playoff heartbreaks. For the Bulls, it was a harsh lesson in composure and execution on the biggest stage.

It was a big win for 2023 World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber, who joined Leinster 18 months ago. Nienaber previously assisted Rassie Erasmus at Munster.

Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Finals – Crusaders and Chiefs Book All-Kiwi Final

The Crusaders beat the Blues 21–14 in Christchurch to punch their ticket to the Super Rugby Pacific final. The hosts defended for 40 phases in the final five minutes to deny the Blues a converted try that would have forced overtime. The Crusaders have won 12 Super Rugby titles, along with the two editions of Super Rugby Aotearoa, and have remarkably never lost a Super Rugby Finals fixture in 31 matches in Christchurch.

HOW THE CRUSADERS BEAT THE DEFENDING CHAMPION BLUES

In the second semi-final, the Chiefs overwhelmed the Brumbies 37–17 in Hamilton. Damian McKenzie pulled the strings brilliantly, while the Chiefs pack laid a dominant platform. The Brumbies had moments of resistance, but couldn’t contain the tempo or creativity of the home side. The result sets up an all-New Zealand decider between the Crusaders and Chiefs, two of the competition’s most dangerous playoff teams.

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Premiership Final – Bath Edge Leicester to End 29-Year Wait

Bath ended a 29-year title drought with a tense 23–21 win over Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership final at Twickenham. Finn Russell guided the team with maturity while Thomas du Toit and the Bath pack laid the physical foundations. Ben Spencer was instrumental at scrumhalf, controlling territory and tempo in a high-pressure contest. Leicester, led by Handré Pollard, fought back in the second half and nearly stole it late, but Bath’s defence stood tall to seal a famous win. It’s Bath’s first league crown since 1996 and a triumph built on resilience, balance, and belief.