Frans Steyn issues challenge to Cheetahs ahead of European campaign
SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs Director of Rugby Frans Steyn has issued a stern warning to his side ahead of the 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup.
The Cheetahs will open their European campaign on Sunday away from home against Aviron Bayonnais at Stade Jean Dauger.
Steyn is hoping his side can bounce back from a disastrous campaign last season, which saw them end the campaign winless.
They suffered defeats against Exeter Chiefs, Ulster and the French duo of Racing 92 and Stade Français.
Steyn’s troops enter the tournament on the back of a Currie Cup semifinal exit and a stint in Georgia for the Toyota Challenge.
Speaking to the media this week, Steyn revealed what success would look like for his team this season.
“I would like us to get to the Round of 16,” he said.
“And hopefully, that will give us a good shot to go further than the Round of 16. All in all, we have to reach the play-off stages.”
The Cheetahs have also found a new home after it was confirmed that St Helen’s Stadium in Swansea, Wales, will host two of their home fixtures.
They will face the Dragons there in Round Two before taking on USA Perpignan [USAP] in their final match early next year.
The Bloemfontein outfit previously played their home games in Amsterdam. Steyn says they want to make St Helen’s a fortress.
“I think this year we don’t have any excuses.
“We’ve got a great squad, so we need to perform. Wherever we play, that doesn’t really matter; we need to do our things and execute the plan on the day better than the other team.
“We’re looking forward to going to Wales later in the competition and making that our new home away from home.”
The Cheetahs will also be banking on the experience of loose forward, Carl Els, who’s joined the team from the Griquas.
Els was part of the Currie Cup-winning side, and Steyn expects him to have an immediate impact on the team.
“We’re all excited to have him here.
“He had a great Currie Cup, and hopefully he finds his feet quickly within our squad and within our system and continues with his good form.
“We’ll definitely need that from him against Bayonne.”
Captain of the selected touring squad, Neels Volschenk echoed his coach’s sentiments.
The skipper believes the first outing against Bayonne will provide them a clear indication of where they are as a team.
“They’ve obviously got an incredible squad with big international players or players that have played at the highest level.
“Going to be a test for us as a group to match that standard. We’re looking for it, and with this year’s EPCR schedule being so spread out, that will give us a good indication.
“As coach Frans said, we don’t have any excuses.”
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