There are 14 direct clashes between the current top eight in the final six rounds, along with 10 meetings between top eight sides and teams ranked 9^th to 12^th. All of which means every round, and every game, will play a crucial role in shaping the road to this season’s Grand Final on June 20.

– 15 teams still able to qualify for the Play-Offs

– Just six (6) points separate Glasgow Warriors (1st) and Munster (6th)

– 2^nd-4^th are tied on 41 points (DHL Stormers, Ulster, Leinster)

– Five (5) points separate Fidelity Securedrive Lions (7th) and Ospreys (10th)

– Six rounds remain with 48 games to play

– Top eight teams reach the Play-Offs and qualify for Investec Champions Cup*

– Top four teams earn home Quarter-Final

In Control

1^st Glasgow Warriors (45 pts) – One more win should secure a Play-Off spot. Three wins likely guarantees a home Quarter-Final. A key clash with Leinster in Round 13 could be crucial in determining top seed.

2^nd DHL Stormers (41pts) – The Cape Town club are faring much better than last season (12^that this stage). Two wins should be enough to qualify. With four straight home games coming, a top four finish is firmly in reach.

3^rd Ulster (41pts) – Another club with a remarkable turnaround compared to last season (14^th at this stage). Two wins should secure qualification. A tough run-in against top eight sides, but strong home form could deliver a home Quarter-Final.

4^th Leinster (41pts) – Last season’s champions are building momentum after a slow start. A win over Glasgow would put them in pole position for top spot.

Strong Position

5^th Cardiff (40pts) – Two wins likely seals a first-ever Play-Off appearance. Limited home fixtures may impact top four chances.

6^th Munster (39pts) – Likely need three wins to guarantee qualification. A tougher path to a home Quarter-Final with key away fixtures ahead.

7^th Fidelity Securedrive Lions (33pts) – Three wins should be enough to make the Play-Offs for the first time. Four consecutive home games give them a strong platform to qualify.

8^th Vodacom Bulls (30pts) – Currently on the cut line but with a favourable run-in. Four wins should secure qualification; more needed for a top four push.

Chasing Pack

9^th Connacht (30pts) – Likely need at least four wins. A difficult schedule with five games against current top eight teams.

10^th Ospreys (29pts) – Four wins could be enough. No South Africa trip and fewer top eight opponents could work in their favour. A key fixture vs Connacht looms large (Round 14).

Outside Chances

11^th Hollywoodbets Sharks(24pts) – Need at least five wins from six. Little margin for error for the Sharks.

12^th Edinburgh (23pts) – Require five wins, including a tough South Africa tour.

13^th Benetton (23pts) – Must put together a near-perfect run. Any slip likely ends their chances.

Long Shots

14^th Dragons RFC (20pts) – Would likely need to win all remaining games

15^th Scarlets (16pts) – Only a mathematical chance remains.

16^th Zebre Parma (12pts) – Out of contention.

The positions of the clubs in the league table will be based on the following, in order:

a) the number of League Points awarded to each Club;

b) if unresolved, the number of Matches won by each Club in the League Stage;

c) if unresolved, the difference between the total points scored and the total points conceded on the field of play for each Club in all Matches in the League Stage;

d) if unresolved, the number of tries scored by each Club in all Matches in the League Stage;

Four different winners in four years. Only one top-ranked team have lifted the trophy:

– 2022: DHL Stormers (Rank No 2)

– 2023: Munster (5)

– 2024: Glasgow Warriors (4)

– 2025: Leinster (1)

Seven (7) of the 28 Play-Off fixtures were won by the away team (25%)

12 of the 16 URC teams have reached the Play-Offs in the first four seasons

– Ireland: Connacht, Leinster, Munster, Ulster

– Italy: Benetton

– Scotland: Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh

– South Africa: DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls

– Wales: Ospreys, Scarlets