URC Preview | Lions v Ospreys

Sat 3 Oct, 12:45 (UK/IRE), 10bet Ellis Park

Broadcasters: SuperSport, Premier Sports, URC.tv and FloRugby

The big picture

10bet Lions return to Johannesburg after beating defending champions Leinster on opening weekend. Ospreys travel to 10bet

Ellis Park seeking their first win of the season.

Match angles

• The Lions’ 27-26 victory over Leinster ended a three-match losing run in the URC.

• Lions lost just once at Ellis Park during the 2025/26 URC season, to Vodacom Bulls in January 2026.

• Ospreys’ only win in their last four URC fixtures was 27-20 against Scarlets in Round 17 last season.

• Ospreys have not won in South Africa since defeating DHL Stormers in April 2024.

• Ospreys’ only victory in five previous URC meetings with Lions came in Swansea in March 2024.

Form snapshot

10bet Lions last 6 URC: W-W-L-L-L-W

Ospreys last 6 URC: L-W-L-W-L-L

Recent URC meetings

In the last five meetings, 10bet Lions have 3 wins, Ospreys 1 win, with 1 draw.

23 Jan 2026: Ospreys 24 10bet Lions 24

17 May 2025: 10bet Lions 29 Ospreys 28

30 Mar 2024: Ospreys 36 10bet Lions 21

Overall URC H2H

10bet Lions 3 wins, Ospreys 1 win, 1 draw.

Key players in the URC this season

10bet Lions: Erich Cronje scored two tries against Leinster; Chris Smith scored 12 points.

Ospreys: Sam Parry, Liam Wright, Iestyn Hopkins and Luke Morgan scored a try each against Hollywoodbets Sharks; Lawson

Creighton added four points.

Match officials

Referee: Filippo Russo (FIR, 10th game)

AR1: Griffin Colby (SARU)

AR2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)