The United Rugby Championship (URC) is a professional rugby union competition that features teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. Established in 2021, it replaced the previous Pro14 format and aims to enhance the level of competition and showcase talent across these regions. The tournament includes a regular season followed by playoffs, culminating in a final to determine the champion. The URC consists of 16 teams, with each team playing a mix of home and away matches. The competition promotes cross-border rivalries and provides a platform for players to compete at a high level, contributing to the growth of rugby in the participating nations.