Rugby
Lelos eager to tackle Cheetahs in Bloemfontein─── MORGAN PIEK 10:45 Fri, 04 Jul 2025
The Georgian national rugby team will be heading to South Africa next week for their one-off Test against the Springboks in Nelspruit.
However, before that, they’ll make a stop in Bloemfontein, where they’ll take on the Toyota Cheetahs in a match celebrating 130 years of Free State Rugby.
For the Cheetahs, it’s a major occasion, and for the Lelos, it’s just as significant, especially with their clash against the world champions looming a week later. Georgian head coach Richard Cockerill told OFM Sport that his side is excited to face the Cheetahs and, in particular, is looking forward to the famous Bloemfontein hospitality and a tough physical battle. 
Georgia. Photo: Georgian Rugby
“The Cheetahs have a proud history in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, so when we got the opportunity to play them, we were thrilled,” said Cockerill.
“We managed to move the game from Saturday to Friday so it would work better for everyone. That way, they can have a big crowd and a proper celebration.
“It’s going to be a great match for us. We’ll select a team that includes a lot of fringe players – guys who’ll benefit from testing themselves at a high level.
“It’s a fantastic chance to develop our wider squad alongside a few of our Test players.” Cockerill added that it would be a fantastic opportunity to show the world what Georgian Rugby is all about.
“We’re really looking forward to the experience. Toyota Stadium is an incredible venue.
“There’ll be a big crowd, and they’ll definitely want to show what they’re made of as part of the celebration. We’re excited for the Cheetahs’ hospitality – the famous Bloemfontein hospitality.
Georgia vs. Uruguay. Photo: Georgian Rugby
“We’re looking forward to the braai after the game, but we know it’s going to be a proper physical contest on the field. They’ve got big men. We’ve got big men.
“We’ll all be gasping for air together. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote Georgian rugby, and for us to be invited to Bloemfontein to be part of such a special occasion for the Cheetahs franchise is massive. We can’t wait.”
The Lelos will be landing in Johannesburg early on Monday morning before heading down to Bloemfontein. Next Friday’s match at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 19:00.
