The Japanese vehicle manufacturer, Toyota, is set to expect their title sponsorship of the Central franchise by a future three years to 2023.

The Cheetahs and Toyota have been in partnership since 2011. In 2019 the car giants extended their contact with the team by a further three years.

With the Cheetahs having been in international limbo for quite some time the extension is a welcome boost.

It is further believed that second edition of the Toyota Challenge will be played later in the year, while an announcement on the Cheetahs international future could be made as soon as next month.

The Toyota Challenge which was played for the first time in November 2022 featured the Cheetahs as well as Western Province, the Sharks, Barcelona Diables (Spain) and Baia Mare (Romania).

The Cheetahs will be hoping that that the European Continental Shield will finally get off of the ground after Covid-19 derailed these plans for the past two years.

On Monday afternoon the Cheetahs are set to make a big announcement but at this stage it is still unclear what it could be.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport