The Lions will host Leinster and the Sharks welcome Ospreys on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship, with the Stormers and Bulls set to start away from home.
The United Rugby Championship quarterfinals are now confirmed with eight teams from across Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Wales reaching the playoffs, which take place on 29 and 30 May.
Stormers coach John Dobson was left searching for answers after a woeful performance against Cardiff cost his side a chance of a home URC semi-final and final.
The Stormers' hopes of securing a top-two finish in the United Rugby Championship came crashing down as they slumped to a 22-16 defeat to Cardiff in Wales on Friday night.
Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been handed a three-match suspension for the tackle that left Stormers flanker Deon Fourie injured during last Friday's URC clash in Belfast.
Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche will captain the Stormers in their final United Rugby Championship league match of the season against Cardiff on Friday night.