Ospreys to face Hollywoodbets Sharks in November Twickenham BKT United Rugby Championship showpiece fixture 

The fixture that will take place on Friday 3^rd November (Kick off 7.35pm) will be a first for a Welsh region in hosting a home league game outside of Wales. 

The BKT United Rugby Championship which starts in October, comprises of regions from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales placed in pools of four teams who will face each other in home and away fixtures to crown regional champions.

The points gained from results alongside an additional 12 individual one-off fixtures against the remaining teams are then accumulated to decide the top eight of the Championship table in the initial phase.

The remaining teams will then face off in the knockout quarter-final stage with the top four given home advantage before an overall champion is crowned in June. 

The Durban-based side will also be joined by regional compatriots Stormers, Lions and Bulls in the competition for their third campaign since the league’s expansion and have achieved top-eight finishes in the previous two seasons. 

The Ospreys, four-time winners of the competition in its previous format of the Celtic League and Pro12 will face off against the travelling Sharks in the third round of the 2023/24 fixtures.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Ospreys can host a showcase game in London, providing a unique spectacle for our fans and newcomers alike,” enthused Anthony Cole-Johnson, Commercial Director for the Ospreys.

“For us, this is not just a fixture; it is an opportunity to provide a fresh experience and engage with both Ospreys exiles and the wider rugby fanbase in and around London. It’s been great to have worked in collaboration with the BKT URC and the Hollywoodbets Sharks to put together this groundbreaking game to grow the interest around Ospreys and the league. 

“London, a city with a rich sporting heritage, has always been a popular destination for fans from across the globe. As one of the world’s leading rugby hubs, the city is no stranger to hosting showcase events.” 

“We believe that rugby should embrace new ideas and innovative events and we’re very happy to support Ospreys and Sharks in bringing the BKT United Rugby Championship to one of the world’s biggest cities where sport has such an iconic history,” added United Rugby Championship CEO, Martin Anayi. 

“In addition to those who travel from Wales, we are fully aware of the large URC fanbases living in London that encompass all of our territories and we hope that the interest from Welsh and South African supporters in London can make this a really special event.” 

“Londoners, Sharks fans, rugby supporters and first-time watchers are all cordially invited to our London showcase, a testament to the game’s resilience, its vital role in bridging cultures, and its unique power to captivate audiences.” 

Tickets for this unmissable clash are available for purchase on https://www.eticketing.co.uk/ospreysrugby/Events. 

[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]