Macron joins URC as Match Officials kit partner

The United Rugby Championship is proud to announce a new partnership with Macron, who will become the league’s match officials kit partner from the 2025/26 season.

This agreement will ensure that the officials at the heart of every game - those who safeguard the integrity and flow of the competition - are equipped with high-performance apparel designed to meet the demands of elite rugby.

Macron is already a trusted name in the URC, supplying kit to seven clubs across the league (Cardiff Rugby, Connacht, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Lions, Ospreys and Zebre Parma). Now, their role expands to supporting the match officials who play a crucial part in delivering the drama and intensity of the URC each week.

Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, said: “The BKT United Rugby Championship is one of the most prestigious and exciting competitions in world rugby and we are honoured to support all match officials taking part in this tournament. This partnership further strengthens our global leadership in rugby and reflects our constant commitment to developing innovative and high-performance products, tailored to meet the specific needs of those who carry the responsibility of officiating at the highest level.”

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “We are delighted to welcome Macron as the official kit partner for our match officials. Our officials are central to the integrity of the BKT URC, and it is vital that they are supported with the very best apparel. Macron is already a valued partner to many of our clubs, so this collaboration feels like a natural fit. At the BKT URC, we place huge value on partnerships that share our vision for excellence, innovation and growth, and Macron will bring all of those qualities to this important role.”

The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season kicks off on Friday, September 26, featuring 151 matches across 21 weekends, 16 teams, five territories and two hemispheres.

Season Schedule

Round 1: September 26/27

Round 2: October 3/4

Round 3: October 10/11

Round 4: October 17/18

Round 5: October 24/25

Round 6: November 28/29

Round 7 (Festive Derbies): December 19/20

Round 8 (Festive Derbies): December 26/27

Round 9 (Festive Derbies): January 2/3

Round 10: January 23/24

Round 11: January 30/31

Round 12: February 27/28

Round 13: March 20/21

Round 14: March 27/28

Round 15: April 17/18

Round 16: April 24/25

Round 17: May 8/9

Round 18: May 15/16

Play-off Schedule

Quarter-finals: May 29/30

Semi-finals: June 6/7

Grand Final: June 20