With the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season just around the corner, we asked ChatGPT to predict the outcome.
Leinster will be looking to defend their United Rugby Championship crown, having defeated the Bulls 36-7 in the final, while South African sides will be looking to earn their second title since joining the league back in 2021.
Clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy will join the South Africans in the competition, as they all search for a place in the competition's showpiece final.
With all that in mind, let's take a look at what ChatGPT predicts will happen in the upcoming campaign.
Regular Season Predictions
Team | Won | Lost | Points |
1. Leinster | 14 | 4 | 70 |
2. Bulls | 13 | 5 | 65 |
3. Glasgow Warriors | 13 | 5 | 63 |
4. Stormers | 12 | 6 | 60 |
5. Munster | 11 | 7 | 57 |
6. Lions | 11 | 7 | 55 |
7. Ulster | 10 | 8 | 53 |
8. Cardiff | 10 | 8 | 51 |
9. Connacht | 9 | 9 | 49 |
10. Sharks | 9 | 9 | 46 |
11. Ospreys | 8 | 10 | 43 |
12. Edinburgh | 7 | 11 | 40 |
13. Benetton | 7 | 11 | 38 |
14. Scarlets | 6 | 12 | 33 |
15. Dragons | 4 | 14 | 25 |
16. Zebre Parma | 2 | 16 | 17 |
Speaking about the reasons for the placements, ChatGPT said: "Leinster's squad depth, consistency and ability to rotate their international players should allow them to improve on their second place finish last season."
"The Bulls' attacking threat and strong home record make them my leading South African side, while Glasgow and the Stormers should again be among the competition's most consistent teams."
"Munster should remain difficult to beat at Thomond Park, although their relatively modest points difference last season makes me less confident about a top four finish."
"The Lions impressed offensively last season and could climb the table if they become more consistent defensively, while Ulster and Cardiff should have enough quality to secure top-eight finishes"
"I have Connacht and the Sharks narrowly missing out on the play-offs, with Ospreys and Edinburgh following behind them. The margins between these teams could be extremely small, particularly around the final qualification place, but I expect the strong South African and Irish squads to give the Sharks and Connacht enough to remain competitive throughout the campaign."
"At the bottom, I'm predicting Benetton, Scarlets, Dragons and Zebre Parma to occupy the final four positions. Benetton should still be capable of causing problems at home, but may struggle for consistency across the full 18-game season. The Welsh sides face another difficult campaign, while Zebre's limited ability to turn competitive performances into victories leaves them at the foot of the table.
Play-Off Predictions
Quarter Finals
- QF1 - Leinster (1st) 38-17 Cardiff (8th)
- QF2 - Bulls (2nd) 34-20 Ulster (7th)
- QF3 - Glasgow Warriors (3rd) 29-24 Lions (6th)
- QF4 - Stormers (4th) 27-23 Munster (5th)
"Leinster's depth and home advantage should prove too much for Cardiff in quarter final one, while, in quarter final two, Ulster will make it competitive, but the Bulls' physicality will eventually take over."
"Quarter final three will potentially be the most entertaining, as I can see the Lions causing plenty of problems. Glasgow's defensive organisation should get them through though."
"The final quarter final will be a really tight game, but home advantage should ultimately decide it for the Stormers."
Semi Finals
- SF1 - Leinster 30-22 Stormers
- SF2 - Bulls 28-25 Glasgow
"Semi final one would be a fascinating rematch of two teams with contrasting styles"
"The Stormers have enough power and attacking invention to cause Leinster problems, but I expect Leinster to control territory better and exploit their superior depth in the final quarter.
"In semi final two, Glasgow's ability to travel and perform in big games make this extremely difficult to call, but i think the Bulls' pack eventually gives them enough control to edge a thriller at Loftus Versfeld."
Grand Final
- Leinster 27-24 Bulls
"This is the final I'd most like to see"
"The Bulls have the physicality to make life extremely uncomfortable for Leinster and their attacking numbers from last season suggest they have enough firepower to score against the Irish giants, however Leinster's biggest advantage is their ability to change the game from the bench."
"I think the final is close for 60 minutes, before Leinster's depth and composure make the difference for them to win the URC title in a repeat of the 2025/26 Grand Final."
Individual Awards
Player of the Season
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu - Stormers
- Embrose Papier - Bulls
- Sam Prendergast - Leinster
"Feinberg-Mngomezulu is my pick after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign and should have an even bigger influence on a Stormers side I expect to challenge near the top of the table."
"Papier was one of the Bulls' standout performers last season and will be central to their title challenge, while Prendergast has the opportunity to establish himself as Leinster's leading fly-half and could benefit enormously from the quality around him."
Young Player of the Season
- Tom Bowen - Cardiff
- Sam Prendergast - Leinster
- Casper Gabriel - Leinster
"Bowen get s the nod after winning the 2025/26 URC Next-Gen Player of the Season award and should take on an even greater role for Cardiff this season."
"Prendergast is arguably the most obvious challenger given his growing responsibilities at Leinster, while Gabriel is my wildcard selection. He is highly regarded within the Irish club and could make a significant breakthrough if given regular URC opportunities."
Director of Rugby of the Season
- Leo Cullen - Leinster
- Johan Ackermann - Bulls
- John Dobson - Stormers
"Cullen is my suggestion if Leinster combine a first-place regular season finish with another championship, particularly after managing a number of significant departures while continuing to develop younger players."
"Ackermann could make a strong case if he keeps the Bulls competing at the top despite losing several important players, while Dobson's challenge will be integrating major additions such as Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe into a Stormers side that already finished third last season."
Top Tryscorer
- Evan Roos - Stormers
- Zac Ward - Ulster
- Werner Kok - Ulster
"Roos is my favourite for the try-scoring crown after scoring 12 tries in just 15 regular season appearances last season, with his work around the opposition try-line making him a constant threat."
"Ward and Kok both crossed the line 10 times in 2025/26 and should again be major attacking weapons for Ulster, with their respective finishing ability giving them a realistic chance of challenging Roos if the Northern Irish side's attack continues to develop."
