URC reveal Elite XV for the 2025/26 season

The DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls led the way with three selections apiece. Stormers stars Evan Roos, the league's top try scorer with 12, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the competition's leading points scorer with 158, and loosehead prop Ntuthuko Mchunu all earned places.

The Bulls were represented by hooker Johann Grobbelaar, scrum-half Embrose Papier and lock Cobus Wiese.

Connacht's outstanding campaign saw captain Cian Prendergast and lock Darragh Murray selected, while Glasgow Warriors midfield star Stafford McDowall and wing Kyle Rowe also made the cut.

Ulster duo Stuart McCloskey and Werner Kok were rewarded for excellent individual seasons, with Leinster tighthead Thomas Clarkson and Lions pair Ruan Venter and Quan Horn completing the side.

Cardiff Rugby sensation Tom Bowen has been named the BKT United Rugby Championship's Next-Gen Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign that firmly established him as one of Welsh rugby's brightest young talents.

The 20-year-old winger continues to collect silverware following a remarkable season that has seen him emerge as one of the competition's most exciting attacking threats. Bowen had already swept the board at Cardiff's end-of-season awards, taking home the Breakthrough Player of the Season, Fans' Player of the Season and Try of the Season awards.

Now the media panel responsible for the URC Awards has recognised his impact across the league by voting him the competition's leading young player.

Eligible players had to be aged 23 or under, possess no more than five international caps at the start of the campaign and make at least nine league appearances during the regular season.

Bowen, an Aberdare RFC product, scored six tries in 11 URC appearances and crossed 10 times in all competitions. Although still uncapped at senior international level, his performances have put him firmly on the radar of Wales selectors.

Reflecting on receiving the award, Bowen said: "I'm over the moon to be honest. It's been a pretty special season, making the BKT URC Play-Offs, making history for Cardiff. It's a club I have grown up watching. I'm a local boy and Cardiff is my home club.

The remaining major awards will be presented as the URC season reaches its climax, with the play-offs now underway.