The Griquas will face the Cheetahs, as well as Emerging Ireland and Italy A in the tournament that kicks off in Bloemfontein at the end of the month.

The Currie Cup runners up are busy with their preseason and welcome the opportunity to get some time on the park.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that with the Currie Cup starting in February it’s an ideal opportunity to play.

“We are very excited to playing the Toyota Challenge,” said the coach that led the Griquas to their first Currie Cup final in 50 years.

“With the Currie Cup only starting in February next year playing now in October gives us an opportunity to start our season and the players game time.

“This will allow us to build out depth and see what we have for the Currie Cup. It's also a brilliant opportunity to test ourselves and play against non-South African teams.

“The two games we have against Emerging Ireland and Italy A will both be good games - both country's teams are going really well.

“Italy's junior’s did really well in the U20 Six Nations and the seniors beat Wales for the first time. Irish rugby is building a lot of depth with Munster and Leinster obviously doing well and then the Irish national team having beaten the All Blacks away from home.”

The Griquas tackle the Irish on 30 September at 13:45 in their first game.

Friday, 30 September 2022: 

13h45: Griquas vs Emerging Ireland

16h15: Cheetahs vs Italy A (Toyota Challenge match)

Wednesday, 5 October 2022:

17h00: Pumas vs Emerging Ireland

19h00: Griquas vs Italy A

Sunday, 9 October 2022:

13h00: Pumas vs Italy A

15h00: Cheetahs vs Emerging Ireland (Toyota Challenge Match)

Friday, 14 October 2022:

18h00: Cheetahs vs USA (Toyota Challenge Match)

Friday, 21 October 2022:

17:00: Pumas vs USA National A

19:00: Cheetahs vs Griquas (Toyota Challenge Match)

Morgan Piek OFM Sport