The only team the Cheetahs have previously faced in the Challenge Cup is the Welsh outfit, Cardiff. Joining them in the pool are the Exeter Chiefs of England, Racing 92 and Stade Français of France, and Ulster from Northern Ireland. 

However, the Cheetahs will not face all of these teams during the group phase. Their opponents will only be confirmed once the fixtures are released later this year.

Schalk Ferreira. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Cheetahs do have previous experience of Ulster as well, from back in their PRO14 days. As has been the case in recent years, the Cheetahs’ “home” matches will once again be played in Europe, most likely in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

While they are familiar with Cardiff, the Cheetahs also have a fair amount of insight into the other teams in the pool. Head coach Frans Steyn previously played for Racing 92 in the French Top 14. 

Lock Carl Wegner had a stint at Stade Français earlier in his career. Assistant coach Ruan Pienaar is an Ulster legend and has a deep understanding of the culture at Ravenhill in Belfast. He also played for Montpellier, giving him further insight into French rugby.

Loose forward Aidon Davis represented the Exeter Chiefs before returning to Bloemfontein, and he knows the English club inside out. He also played for Toulon and Bayonne in France, adding to the team’s knowledge of the French sides. 

Aranos Coetzee brings plenty of French experience too, having previously turned out for Racing 92 and Brive. The semi-retired Schalk Ferreira, now in a player-coach role, also played for Toulouse earlier in his career.

Next week, the Cheetahs will take on Georgia in Bloemfontein as part of their 130th anniversary celebrations. Many of the Georgian players represent Black Lion in the Challenge Cup, and this clash, beyond being an international fixture, will offer invaluable experience ahead of the team’s return to European competition later in the year.

Cheetahs loosehead prop Cameron Dawson told OFM Sport that playing in the match against Georgia is exactly the kind of opportunity players relish.

“Look, I think most of the guys here definitely have a deep love for the Free State,” said Dawson, a product of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. “I think it’s a big occasion for Bloem, a big moment for the union. 

“Having the chance to compete against Georgia gives us a great measuring stick, especially for the front row. We’ve got a couple of young front-rowers, so this will be an excellent challenge to test ourselves against a more seasoned, international outfit.”

Ruan Pienaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

He added: “There’s always pressure, but we actually spoke over the past few weeks about this – we can’t expect to play in international competitions if we can’t perform at that level. I think our challenge will be to match Georgia in the set pieces and prove to everyone that we belong in an international competition and are capable of competing at that level.”

The opening round of the 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup will take place from 5 to 7 December.

Next week’s match between the Cheetahs and the Lelos will be played on Friday, with kick-off at 19:00 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh