SA Franchises in the Champions Cup
The Champions Cup is the rare European competition where South Africans have a side to back. The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions qualify through the URC and take on the best of England and France — here are the ways to back them, and what to weigh up.
Ways to back the SA sides
The big one is the outright — an SA franchise to win the trophy, usually at a bigger price than the French and Irish powers. Match by match you can back them on the result, the handicap against a heavier-fancied European club, total points and first try scorer. In the knockouts, 'to qualify' markets let you back an SA side to advance from a two-legged or one-off tie.
What to weigh up
Backing the SA franchises in Europe cuts both ways. The travel is long, the conditions — cold, wet Northern Hemisphere rugby in midwinter — are unfamiliar, and clubs sometimes rotate squads around URC and Champions Cup commitments. That can lengthen an SA side's price into a value bet, or flag a trap against a fired-up home club. Pair it with the Champions Cup predictions page and the Champions Cup guide for the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Which South African teams play in the Champions Cup?
The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions — South Africa's four URC franchises — qualify through the United Rugby Championship and play against Europe's leading clubs.
What are the best ways to bet on the SA franchises?
Outright to win, or match-by-match result, handicap, total points and first try scorer bets, plus 'to qualify' markets on the SA sides advancing through the knockouts.