URC: Picking a Dream XV from the Top 8 as Play-Offs start this weekend

The action gets underway in Glasgow, as the first placed Warriors host Connacht, following the dramatic late surge to eighth place from the Galway side. Stuart Lancasters men left it to the final round of the regular URC season to book their spot in the quarter-finals, yet face a daunting trip to Scotstoun Stadium.

Then second-placed Leinster welcome the Lions to Dublin, before Cardiff head down to Cape Town for a clash with the Stormers. Munster also make their way to South Africa, with the Irish province set for a trip to the fabled Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, for their quarter-final match-up against the Bulls. So, with the excitement building ahead of the play-offs, we've pieced together an Ultimate XV from across the quater-final qualified teams.

For this article, only one forward and one back from each top eight side can make the team. Due to the numerical impossibility of this, one of the qualified sides will contribute one player and the head coach to our dream XV. So, let's get underway with our Ultimate XV from the top eight of the 2025/26 URC season.

A double Rugby World Cup winner and Springbok centurion, Willie le Roux remains one of rugby’s most intelligent attacking playmakers. The Bulls full-back has been central to their URC play-off push, bringing vision, composure and elite distribution across 21 matches this season, scoring six tries and 44 points. Operating at full-back and fly-half, his creativity and game management remain vital. After spells with the Cheetahs, Wasps and Toyota Verblitz, the 36-year-old continues to showcase timeless class and experience.

Josh Adams remains one of the URC’s most clinical finishers for Cardiff and Wales. The experienced winger has scored nine tries in 17 appearances this season, including Six Nations efforts against England and Scotland. The 2019 Rugby World Cup top try-scorer continues to be a constant aerial threat and elite support runner. A 2021 British & Irish Lion, Adams scored eight tour tries in South Africa and remains among the league’s most dangerous finishers.

Huw Jones has returned from injury to deliver key performances in Glasgow Warriors’ midfield. Alongside Sione Tuipulotu, the Scotland international provides intelligent running lines, sharp handling and defensive structure. Operating mainly at outside centre, he blends physicality with creativity and remains crucial in high-pressure fixtures. A 2025 British & Irish Lion and URC title winner with Glasgow, Jones continues to be a cornerstone of the Warriors’ attacking system in pursuit of a second title.

Bundee Aki has been central to Connacht’s late push for the URC play-offs, reinforcing his reputation as a high-impact inside centre. Despite a turbulent international period, including a four-match Six Nations suspension for dissent towards a match official, he has responded strongly at provincial level. The 36-year-old Ireland international continues to deliver leadership, physicality and breakdown dominance as Connacht chase playoff qualification and European rugby progression.

James Lowe has returned strongly for Leinster after a mid-season groin injury that disrupted his Six Nations campaign. The New Zealand-born Ireland winger has made 12 appearances this season, regaining form heading into the URC play-offs, despite taking a back seat to Tommy O'Brien for the Champions Cup Final. Rumours continue to link him with a move to France, though Leinster will want his finishing and aerial threat firing. A proven big-game performer, Lowe remains key to their title ambitions.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has enjoyed a standout URC season for the Stormers, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous fly-halves. With 15 tries in 20 appearances across all competitions, his attacking flair and unpredictability have been central to Cape Town’s push. The Springbok playmaker continues to develop into a key figure ahead of the Nations Championship, with the Stormers targeting another deep playoff run.

Craig Casey has been instrumental in Munster’s push into the URC play-offs, combining tempo, sharp distribution and relentless energy at scrum-half. Despite injury disruptions elsewhere in the squad, he has provided consistency and leadership, often stepping up in key fixtures. The Ireland international has produced standout performances, earning multiple Player of the Match awards as his sniping runs and offloads help drive Munster’s attacking momentum.

Gerhard Steenekamp has anchored the Bulls’ front row with powerful scrummaging and tireless work-rate throughout the season. The Springbok prop has become a key figure in Jake White’s pack, delivering dominance at set-piece and strong defensive contributions. His performances have strengthened his international standing under Rassie Erasmus. As the Bulls prepare for a tough URC play-off run, Steenekamp remains central to their forward platform and physical identity.

Dan Sheehan has delivered another outstanding campaign for Leinster, underlining his status as one of world rugby’s premier hookers. Dynamic in the loose and accurate at set-piece, he has combined powerful carrying with consistent try-scoring form across the URC season. A central figure in Leo Cullen’s side, Sheehan’s leadership, physicality and finishing ability have been crucial in driving Leinster into the play-offs with strong title ambitions.

Finlay Bealham has remained a vital figure for Connacht throughout the 2025/26 season, despite battling through knee injury setbacks that disrupted his Six Nations campaign. The experienced Ireland tight-head returned to bolster Connacht’s late push for the URC play-offs, providing crucial leadership, scrummaging stability and relentless work-rate around the field during the decisive closing weeks of the season.

The Scotland international has once again been integral to Glasgow Warriors’ forward dominance this season. Cummings has brought lineout authority, physical carrying and relentless defensive work-rate throughout the URC campaign. A consistent leader in Franco Smith’s pack, the lock has played a major role in Glasgow’s continued emergence as genuine title contenders after finishing top of the table.

Etienne Oosthuizen has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Lions, establishing himself as one of the URC’s most industrious forwards. The powerful lock has combined physicality with impressive mobility, becoming central to the Johannesburg side’s aggressive style. His consistency at set-piece and tireless defensive work have helped drive the Lions into play-off contention.

The Irish enforcer continues to set the standard for Munster with another exceptional campaign in red. Whether at lock or blindside flanker, the Ireland international has delivered leadership, breakdown brilliance and huge defensive intensity throughout the season. Munster fans will be hoping to see Beirne return for the URC play-offs, with his experience and composure proving invaluable in decisive fixtures.

Ben-Jason Dixon has emerged as one of the Stormers’ standout forwards during the 2025/26 season. Equally effective at lock or flank, the 28-year-old has impressed with his relentless physicality, breakdown presence and carrying power for the South African side. His rise has coincided with another strong campaign in Cape Town, as he strengthens his growing Springbok credentials for the Summer.

The legendary Wales back row, Faletau has rolled back the years with an influential campaign for Cardiff. Despite ongoing injury challenges in recent seasons, the veteran number eight has rediscovered his form, bringing class, control and immense experience to Cardiff’s pack. His composure, ball carrying and leadership have been crucial during Cardiff’s maiden appearance in the URC knockout stages.

Ivan van Rooyen has overseen a breakthrough season for the Lions, guiding them to their first-ever URC play-off qualification and their highest finish since joining the competition. The Johannesburg side have combined attacking ambition with resilience to secure a historic top-eight spot under his leadership. While consistency has often been tested in previous campaigns, this year marks a clear step forward, with Van Rooyen’s project delivering tangible progress and landmark success for the franchise.