Bloemfontein will get it’s fair share of rugby excitement during the next few weeks.
In a new development, the Free State Cheetahs will face the Blue Bulls in the opening match of the 2022 Toyota Challenge on Friday, 30 September.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Italy A has withdrawn from the Toyota Challenge, but the Vodacom Bulls were ready and eager to take up the challenge.
“It is a great privilege for the Cheetahs to welcome the Bulls and Western Province XV in this year’s Toyota Challenge,” said Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs. “I believe that the tournament will contribute significantly to the Bloemfontein community. We are happy to support and have more local teams involved.”
The Cheetahs are challenging the Bulls, Emerging Ireland and USA National A, and the Griquas in the Toyota Stadium for R1 million in prize money. Each match has R250 000 up for grabs.
The Bulls will also face the Griquas on Wednesday, 5 October, in a Toyota Challenge-friendly match. Western Province XV will take on the Pumas in another friendly on Sunday, 9 October.
Fans supporting their favourite teams in the Toyota Stadium and on social media will have much to look forward to. In addition to the prizes for the winning teams, cash prizes will be up for grabs for individual players and fans during the Toyota Challenge. Players will be rewarded for “positive play actions”, encouraging a bonanza of running rugby, bone-crunching tackles and tries galore.
“This is probably the most unique rugby tournament in the world, and we all await with abated breath the first kick-off between the Cheetahs and the Bulls on 30 September.”
Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone, added: “The Bulls are excited to be part of this exceptional tournament. We will be up against quality opposition in the Cheetahs and the Griquas. We are looking forward to an electrifying tournament.”
Updated Toyota Challenge fixtures:
Friday, 30 September:
- 13:45 Griquas vs Emerging Ireland
- 16:15 Cheetahs vs Bulls (Toyota Challenge match)
Wednesday, 5 October:
- 17:00 Pumas vs Emerging Ireland
- 19:00 Griquas vs Bulls
Sunday, 9 October:
- 13:00 Cheetahs vs Emerging Ireland (Toyota Challenge Match)
- 11:00 Pumas vs Western Province XV
Friday, 14 October:
- 18:00 Cheetahs vs USA National A (Toyota Challenge Match)
Friday, 21 October:
- 16:15 Cheetahs vs Griquas (Toyota Challenge Match)
- 13:45 Pumas vs USA National A
