The most intense playoff race in URC history went all the way to the final whistle of Round 18, where the result between Munster and the Lions put the rubber stamp on a fascinating slate of quarterfinal matchups.

The results from Round 18 ensured that the four home teams were ranked; Glasgow Warriors (1), Leinster (2), Stormers (3) and Bulls (4). The away teams will be Munster (5), Cardiff (6), Lions (7) and Connacht (8).

The 2024 champions, Glasgow Warriors, will get the Play-Offs underway on Friday, May 29, when they take on Connacht at Scotstoun. This will be followed by three games on the Saturday with the Bulls taking on 2023 champions, Munster, the Stormers welcome Cardiff to Cape Town, and defending champions Leinster hosting the Lions.

The qualification of both Cardiff and the Lions means that 14 of the 16 teams in the league have reached the last eight in the past five seasons.

URC playoffs

Quarterfinals

Friday, May 29

QF1: (1) Glasgow Warriors v (8) Connacht

Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow

KO: 20:45 SA

Saturday, May 30

QF4: (4) Bulls v (5) Munster

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

KO: 13:00

QF3: (3) Stormers v (6) Cardiff

Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town

KO: 15:30 SA

QF2: (2) Leinster v (7) Lions

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

KO: 21:00 SA

Semi-Finals - Saturday, June 6

SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF4

SF2: Winner QF2 v Winner QF3

URC Grand Final - Saturday, June 20

Winner SF1 v Winner SF2|

READ MORE: URC: Bulls secure home quarter-final with convincing win over Benetton

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