The Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas will test themselves against three international touring sides in June.
Black Lion from Georgia – who also play in the EPCR Challenge Cup with the Cheetahs – will return to Bloemfontein for the Toyota Challenge, and they will be joined by Portugal and Romania A.
All three nations have qualified for the 2027 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 on 5, 10 and 14 June at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. The second leg will play out in Tbilisi in Georgia in October.
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“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.”
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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 Vodacom 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 Carling 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 incredibly special and different to 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 for rugby for both players and fans,” said Duncan.
Toyota Challenge fixtures (times TBC):
Friday, 5 June
2pm: Pumas vs Black Lion
4pm: Suzuki Griquas vs Romania A
6pm: Cheetahs vs Portugal
Wednesday, 10 June
2pm: Griquas vs Black Lion
4pm: Pumas vs Portugal
6pm: Cheetahs vs Romania A
Sunday, 14 June
12pm: Griquas vs Portugal
2pm: Pumas vs Romania A
4pm: Cheetahs vs Black Lion
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