Hollywoodbets Sharks 2025-2026 URC Schedule: Full Fixture List and US Kick‑off Times

Sharks' URC Journey Starts

South Africa’s Hollywoodbets Sharks have finally let the fans in on their 2025-2026 United Rugby Championship itinerary. The list reads like a world‑tour: from Scotland’s Scotstoun Stadium to France’s Stade Ernest-Wallon, with several U.S.‑friendly kick‑off times sprinkled throughout. The first test comes on Friday, 26 September, when the Sharks head to Glasgow to face the Warriors at 8:05 PM local time – that’s 3:05 PM on the East Coast of the United States.

Opening away games are always a pressure cooker, but the Sharks have built a squad that can handle the heat. Coach John Plumtree says the team will use the early travel to lock in a rhythm before the home stretch begins. Fans watching from New York or Miami can already set their alarms – the match will be right after lunch, a perfect lunch‑time binge for rugby lovers.

Key Fixtures and Global Travel

After Glasgow, the Sharks swing back to South Africa for a home‑court showdown against the Scarlets on Saturday, 25 October. The game kicks off at 10:00 AM ET, meaning the crowd in Durban will see the sun rise over Kings Park as the teams line up. This early‑morning slot is a first for the URC, but it gives American viewers a chance to catch the action before their workday starts.

October is a busy month. On the 3rd, the Sharks travel to the Dragons at Rodney Parade, followed by a high‑stakes clash with Leinster at Dublin’s RDS on 11 October. Both matches are slated for afternoon ET slots, giving US fans a solid window to watch two of the league’s most intense games back‑to‑back.

Mid‑season brings the first European encounter – a trip to Toulouse on 7 December. The French side will host the Sharks at Stade Ernest‑Wallon, and the game’s kick‑off is set for 5:45 PM ET, perfect for an evening wind‑down. Six days later, the Sharks return home to host England’s Saracens at Kings Park. That December 13 fixture is slated for 4:30 PM ET, a prime‑time slot that could draw a sizable audience across the Atlantic.

November isn’t any quieter. On 29 November, the Sharks head to Ireland to meet Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium. The match starts at 2:45 PM ET, a slot that fits neatly between work and dinner – ideal for casual viewers. This late‑November run tests squad depth, with travel to three different time zones in just a few weeks.

The URC’s format still hinges on four regional pools – Irish, Welsh, South African, and a combined Italian‑Scottish group. Each team meets its pool rivals home and away, then faces the remaining twelve clubs once, either at home or on the road. All points feed into a single league table, so every match matters. Last season’s champions Leinster lifted the trophy after a 32‑7 beat‑down of the Vodacom Bulls, setting a high bar for the Sharks.

Since joining the URC in 2021‑22, the Sharks, along with the Bulls, Lions and Stormers, have become regulars on the European stage. Their schedule this year underscores the global nature of modern rugby – flights from Durban to Glasgow, then to Toulouse, back to Durban, and on to Dublin, all within a few months. It’s a logistical nightmare, but it also offers fans worldwide an entry point to South African rugby.

For American supporters, the league has deliberately listed all kick‑offs in Eastern Time. That move reflects the URC’s push to grow its market north of the border. Social media teasers already show fans setting reminders for the Glasgow opener and the Scarlets home game. Streaming platforms will broadcast the matches live, with commentary tailored for U.S. audiences.

Looking ahead, the Sharks still have a packed calendar beyond December. The URC schedule runs into May 2026, with potential playoff spots and a chance to challenge the reigning champions. While the exact dates for the latter half of the season aren’t released yet, the early fixtures give a clear picture: a demanding tour that will test the team’s stamina, travel endurance, and on‑field cohesion. The Sharks’ fans, both at home and abroad, will be watching every step of the way.