Currie Cup teams to play World Cup 2027 qualifiers

NEWS: The 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 they will be joined by Portugal and Romania ‘A’.

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 returns to the Free State capital, where they faced the Springboks on a festive occasion of Test rugby 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 June 5, 10 and 14 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

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.”

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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 United Rugby Championship 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 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.

“We have a partner in Toyota that believes in our vision of playing in a meaningful international competition, and we’re incredibly grateful to Toyota South Africa Motors for their continued support. We also thank SA Rugby for helping to bring this concept to life.

“As we head into the sixth edition of the tournament, the 2026 Toyota Challenge promises to deliver a world-class rugby experience and continue growing the game on an international stage.”

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Davit Katcharava, President of the Georgian Rugby Union, said the Toyota Challenge is a very important tournament: “I believe it fully aligns with the objectives we aim to achieve with Black Lion, and I am very grateful to SA Rugby and the Cheetahs for this opportunity.

“It provides a huge potential for tournament development, and it could grow into an even more significant event in the future. Accordingly, creating the tournament and participating in it is a major success for Georgian rugby and Black Lion.”

Carlos Amado da Silva, President of the Portuguese Rugby Federation, added: “Participating in the 2026 Toyota Challenge represents a strategic opportunity to further develop our players in a highly competitive international environment.

“This competition, which brings together different cultures and styles of play, is essential to raising performance standards and showcasing talent on a global stage.”

According to Alin Petrache, President of the Romanian Rugby Union, it is very important for Romanian rugby to have as many high-level games as possible before the World Cup.

“It helps build structure, it helps players evolve, even more considering that Romania ‘A’ is the first step towards the seniors’ representative team.

“The tournament schedules three games with very dynamic and physical opponents, so I hope that the experience, both on a sport and on a human level, will contribute to their individual development as future Oaks.

“I would like to express a special thanks to SA Rugby and Mark Alexander for their invitation to this tournament.

“We are very grateful for the support shown by the country holding the world champion title.”

Toyota Challenge fixtures (kick-off times to be confirmed)

Friday, June 5

14.00: Pumas v Black Lion

16.00: Griquas v Romania ‘A’

18.00: Cheetahs v Portugal

Wednesday, June 10

14.00: Griquas v Black Lion

16.00: Pumas v Portugal

18.00: Cheetahs v Romania ‘A’

Sunday, June 14

12.00: Griquas v Portugal

14.00: Pumas v Romania ‘A’

16.00: Cheetahs v Black Lion