The Carling Currie Cup may have drawn to a close, but the Toyota Cheetahs are just getting started. The Bloemfontein-based franchise is shifting its focus to the international stage for a massive 2026/27 season, beginning with an historic trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, for the 2026 Toyota Challenge before embarking on their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
This global phase is a core pillar of the Cheetahs’ sporting and commercial strategy. By testing their depth against entirely different rugby cultures, the franchise aims to expose rising stars to international competition, forge strong global partnerships, and expand the Toyota Cheetahs brand far beyond South African borders.
The Toyota Cheetahs are heading to Tbilisi for the second leg of the expanded 2026 Toyota Challenge. Competing for the Tbilisi Cup, they will join fellow South African sides the Airlink Pumas and Suzuki Griquas, alongside Europe's Lusitanos (Portugal), Iberians (Spain), and Georgia’s premier club, Black Lion.
This tour marks the first time a Free State senior rugby team has travelled to Georgia. Facing the famously physical, forward-dominant style of Georgian rugby will provide a unique trial for the travelling squad.
Toyota Challenge – Tbilisi Fixtures
* Thursday, 24 September: Toyota Cheetahs vs Lusitanos (15:00 SAST)
* Tuesday, 29 September: Iberians vs Toyota Cheetahs (12:00 SAST)
* Sunday, 4 October: Black Lion vs Toyota Cheetahs (18:00 SAST)
Toyota Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn views the Georgian tour as a crucial window to manage player workloads, reintegrate those returning from injury, and blood the next generation of senior players.
"The focus is primarily on match fitness and allowing players to get valuable game time," Steyn explained. "Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi, and Darius Erwee are young players coming through into the senior setup. We want them to experience our team culture and gradually integrate."
Fans will also get a first look at new signing Siya Ningiza, alongside recent Bulls acquisition Juandre Schoeman (hooker). Meanwhile, dangerous back Ntokozo Makhaza and Shaun Ray will use the tour to prove their physical readiness. To protect key players after a gruelling domestic season, several frontline stars will remain in Bloemfontein to prepare for Europe.
Travelling Tour Squad: Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi, Aidon Davis, Darius Erwee, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Ntokozo Makhaza, Matome Manyma, Mihlali Mosi, Sasko Ndlovu, Jandré Nel, Tielman Niewoudt, Siya Ningiza, Tebogo Nkosi, Litha Nkula, John-Kelly Okonkwo, Ben Pitout, Shaun Ray, Juandre Schoeman, Tiaan Swanepoel, Arno van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Stefan Venter, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner, Ethan Wentzel.
Once the dust settles in Tbilisi, the Cheetahs turn their attention to the prestigious 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup. Drawn in a highly competitive Pool 1, the Free State side will clash with established heavyweights from the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
Should the Cheetahs navigate the pool stages, the knockout phase awaits in April 2027, with everyone eyeing the ultimate prize at the EPCR Finals in Lyon in May 2027.
EPCR Challenge Cup Fixtures
* Sunday, 18 October 2026: Aviron Bayonnais vs Toyota Cheetahs (15:00 SAST)
* Sunday, 13 December 2026: Toyota Cheetahs vs Dragons RFC (18:15 SAST)
* Sunday, 10 January 2027: Zebre Parma vs Toyota Cheetahs (19:30 SAST)
* Sunday, 17 January 2027: Toyota Cheetahs vs USAP (17:15 SAST)