The Stormers would be the first SA group to take the sphere within the Champions Cup on Saturday, 11 January, with kick off at 15:00 (SA time) in what ought to be a blockbuster battle in opposition to the Sale Sharks.

This recreation will probably be adopted right away by the Sharks internet hosting Toulouse (17:15 kick off SA time), whereas the Bulls are the ultimate South African facet in motion on Saturday after they play away to Castres (22:00 kick off SA time).

HERE ARE ALL THE CHAMPIONS CUP FIXTURES TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND:

Click HERE for the match official appointments for Round 3 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Click HERE for the complete record of Champions Cup fixtures.

Click HERE for the complete record of EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures.

Click HERE for full particulars of Where to Watch each match stay.

What are your predictions for this upcoming spherical of motion?

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Meanwhile, it’s price noting that SA Rugby have unveiled Rhino as its new matchday ball associate, with this seven-year deal having begun on Wednesday, 1 January 2025.

The deal will see Rhino’s elite-level match balls used for all house Tests for the Springboks, in addition to all SA Rugby-run competitions, together with the Carling Currie Cup, the oldest provincial sequence on the planet.

In latest years, Rhino has established itself as one of many main match ball manufacturers, because the official match ball of Asia Rugby and Rugby Europe, accounting for over 80 rugby taking part in nations. Rhino balls have additionally been used on the highest stage in membership rugby internationally, beforehand being official match ball for the Pro12 (now URC), Major League Rugby within the USA, and Superliga Americana de Rugby in South America.

Rhino are one of many largest names in rugby, having supported the British & Irish Lions for the previous 4 excursions with contact and coaching gear, three of which additionally noticed them present coaching balls.

“Choosing a match ball partner is a major decision for every rugby union, but Rhino’s product, coupled with their extensive history in elite-level rugby made them an exciting new partner for South African rugby,” mentioned Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“As rugby is within the very DNA of Rhino, we’re wanting ahead to seeing Rhino match balls in motion, not solely at Test stage with our Springbok women and men’s groups, but additionally in all of our native competitions.

“We’re really excited about what the next seven years are going to bring through this new partnership.”