The United Rugby Championship (URC), previously known as the Pro14,is one of Europe’s three major professional rugby leagues. It consistsof 16 teams from five countries: Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africaand Wales.
The URC initially originated from the Welsh-Scottishleague in 1999. Since, it has also been known as the Celtic League, theMagners League, the Pro12 and the Pro14. The current name, the UnitedRugby Championship, was adopted in 2021.
United Rugby Championship Teams, Records & Format
The United Rugby Championship is contested annually from September to May. The teams are divided into four regional pools: The Irish Pool,the Scottish and Italian Pool, the South African Pool and the WelshPool. Each team plays their pool opponents twice (home and away), andteams from the other pools once.
The top eight teams progress tothe play-offs (quarter-final, semi-final and final). These eight teamsalso automatically qualify for the European Rugby Championship Cup.
Historically, the United Rugby Championship has been dominated by Ireland. Irishteams have secured 14 titles, while Welsh sides have taken six.Meanwhile, Scottish and South African teams have won one tournamenteach. An Italian team is yet to win the URC.
The Irish teamLeinster have claimed the most titles with eight wins. This is followedby Munster (4), Ospreys (4) and Scarlets (2).
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