Prepare for an exhilarating display of skill as the fifth annual Toyota Challenge kicks off on Friday, 17 October at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, when the Toyota Cheetahs face Black Lion. A week later, the teams will face each other again in a second encounter on Sunday, 26 October.
The 2025 challenge features electrifying matches between the Toyota Cheetahs and the team from Georgia, the other invitee in the ECPR Challenge Cup, which takes place in December 2025 and January 2026. This encounter will provide good preparation for both teams, as the competition kicks off on the weekend of 6 December in Europe.
Sunday, 26 October, will be the big matchday, featuring a curtain raiser between the Cheetahs Legends and the Bulls Legends teams. The criteria for players to be part of the Legends teams are that they must be retired from rugby for at least two years and be older than 35 years.
The first Toyota Challenge was hosted in 2021, providing the Toyota Cheetahs with the opportunity to play against opponents they would regularly face in regular competitions. In 2021, they faced Diables from Barcelona, the Sharks and Baia Mare from Romania. In 2022, they played against Emerging Ireland, the USA National A side and the Griquas. In 2023, the Western Force travelled to Bloemfontein for two games, while the Toyota Cheetahs visited Perth, Australia, for two more tough games. Through the Toyota Challenge, the Toyota Cheetahs formed and fostered strong relationships with clubs worldwide. Last year, the Toyota Cheetahs faced Western Force, the Griffons, and Emerging Ireland for a second year.
As in the previous four years, the 2025 Toyota Challenge promises to deliver riveting action, showcasing these exceptional teams' dedication, skill, and determination.
The winner of each match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Black Lions will walk away with R250,000 in prize money. This significant prize money not only adds to the intensity of the competition but also recognises the outstanding efforts of the teams, with additional prize money for the Forward- and Backline Player of the Match.
Fans supporting their favourite teams at 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 fans.
Schools or rugby clubs attending the game as a group and bringing the most amount of 'gees' to the game in the form of chants and posters will stand a chance to win R20,000 in cash on each game day. Follow the Cheetahs Rugby social media pages for more details.
Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, said: "The Toyota Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for the Toyota Cheetahs to test themselves against top international teams. This year, we're thrilled to host the Georgians in the form of the Black Lion. Our last encounter with a Georgian team was a memorable occasion for supporters and their families, and we're eager to recreate that same excitement and energy with the Toyota Challenge. We remain extremely grateful to Toyota, whose continued support makes it possible to bring world-class rugby to Bloemfontein and create unforgettable experiences for our community both on and off the field."
Frans Steyn, Director of Rugby and Coach of the Toyota Cheetahs, added: "The opportunity that Toyota South Africa provides us through the Toyota Challenge is massive. Playing against an international side like Black Lion gives our players top-level preparation before the EPCR Challenge Cup. These fixtures will hopefully sharpen us as a team and create the kind of intensity we need to compete in Europe later this year."
Richard Cockerill, Head Coach of Black Lion: "As a Black Lion team, we are delighted to be invited to take part in the Toyota Challenge competition. The Cheetahs franchise is known worldwide, and the Toyota Stadium is an unbelievable venue to play rugby. We anticipate two tough games, and as a Black Lion franchise, we look forward to a warm South African welcome both on and off the field."
Fixtures:
Friday, 17 October 2025
18:00 – Toyota Cheetahs vs Black Lion
Sunday, 26 October 2025
15:00 – Toyota Cheetahs vs Black Lion
13:30 – Cheetah Legends vs Bulls Legends