Free State Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan is promising a rugby festival like no other for the 2026 Toyota Challenge. With three international match days and multiple fixtures packed into single sessions, Bloemfontein is set to become the ultimate hub for world-class action. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Free State Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas will have an opportunity to test themselves against three international touring sides this year as part of a new and improved Toyota Challenge set to kick off in June.
This year, Black Lion from Georgia — who also play in the EPCR Challenge Cup with the Cheetahs — will return to Bloemfontein, and Portugal and Romania ‘A’ will join them.
All three nations have qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where Georgia and Romania are in the same group as South Africa, while Portugal return to the Free State capital, where they faced the Springboks in front of a sold-out crowd in 2024.
The first leg of the competition – in which the three South African teams will face the three visiting sides – is scheduled for Bloemfontein from June 5 to June 14 at the Toyota Stadium. The second leg will play out in Tbilisi, Georgia, in October.
“This competition provides Portugal, Georgia, and Romania with the important high-performance preparation required as they build towards the Rugby World Cup,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.
“Equally, the tournament offers the Cheetahs, Pumas, and Griquas invaluable international exposure. By competing against top teams from Europe, our sides will showcase and sharpen the budding potential of future Springbok talent.
“The Toyota Challenge is a strategic investment in the growth of the game, the strengthening of international ties, and the preparation of athletes for rugby’s greatest stage. We are looking forward to welcoming our European partners and celebrating the spirit of unity, performance, and opportunity that this competition embodies.”
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, added: “Launched in 2021, the Toyota Challenge was created to deliver meaningful international competition for the Cheetahs outside the URC environment, and this year it will be expanded to include Griquas and the Pumas as well.
"We’ve seen other South African teams join the Cheetahs in the Toyota Challenge in the past, but this year will be the first time Griquas and the Pumas join the action. Both have won the SA Cup and the Currie Cup in the last few years, so we’re excited to see what they can bring to the party.
“Apart from high-calibre rugby across three match days featuring three encounters per day, fans can also expect crowd activations and giveaways, family-friendly zones and student-focused entertainment, and live entertainment.”
According to Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, the hosts of the first leg, the 2026 Toyota Challenge is different from before.
“The new format brings real energy and excitement to the tournament; with three international match days and multiple fixtures played on one day, it creates a true festival of rugby for both players and fans,” said Duncan.
(Kick-off times to be confirmed)