Bulls replace Italy in Cheetahs' Challenge Series

NEWS: The Cheetahs have been forced to go ‘local’ for their Challenge Series, which gets underway later this month.

The Cheetahs will now face the Bulls in the opening match of the 2022 Challenge Series on Friday, September 30.

Italy A has withdrawn from the Challenge Series, but the Bulls were ready and eager to take up the challenge.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 to this year’s Challenge Series,” Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, said.

“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, United States A and the Griquas in Stadium for ZAR1-million in prize money!

Each match has ZAR250,000 up for grabs.

The Bulls will also face the Griquas on Wednesday, October 5, in a friendly match.

Western Province XV will take on the Currie Cup-champion Pumas in another friendly on Sunday, October 9.

“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 Friday, September 30,” Van Reenen added.

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.”