It marks a pivotal moment for the sport in the province, restoring Bloemfontein’s ability to host international rugby. Just a year ago, the stadium was downgraded to Class C status, a setback that effectively sidelined the city from the global stage. 

Now, with the upgrade secured, the door is open once again for touring sides such as Argentina, Italy, Wales, Japan, the Barbarians, and even a World XV to return to the City of Roses.

Toyota Stadium. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Class B certification reflects compliance with a wide range of standards, including infrastructure and facility upgrades, media operations, hospitality, and the overall fan experience. Crucially, it reaffirms Bloemfontein’s reputation as a capable and compelling host for top-tier international rugby.

The benefits stretch far beyond the touchline. Test matches bring a surge of visitors, supporters, media, and touring squads, injecting life into local hotels, restaurants, transport services, and retail outlets. 

The ripple effect is significant, creating jobs and opportunities across hospitality, security, event management, and technical sectors.

With global broadcast exposure, Bloemfontein and the Free State will once again be showcased to international audiences, boosting the region’s profile and tourism appeal. As a centrally located hub, the economic impact will also filter through to surrounding towns, strengthening the broader provincial economy.

On the rugby front, the upgrade is a powerful affirmation of the Free State’s proud legacy in the South African game. 

More importantly, it ensures that local fans can once again experience world-class rugby on home soil, something that plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation.

Free State Rugby President, Coenraad Klopper. Photo: Morgan Piek

Over the past year, administrators and stakeholders have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, engaging with key role-players across the city and beyond to meet the required standards. The result is a stadium and a rugby structure, ready to reclaim its place on the national and international stage.

Outgoing Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan emphasised the importance of building strong foundations to support long-term success.

“Having the right structures in place is crucial, because it gives both the platform and the coaches the best opportunity to succeed,” he told OFM Sport.

“Those structures lay the foundation for a team to move forward and achieve high performance.

“The upgrade of the stadium is fantastic news for us in Bloemfontein. As a city, it’s something we’ve been pushing for over the past year. 

“There have been many discussions and ongoing engagement, and the support from the MEC and her department has been invaluable. Alongside the Free State Sports Confederation and the city, there’s been a real collective effort to get the stadium upgraded from a Category C to a Category B venue.

Cheetahs CEO, Rory Duncan. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Having future Test matches in the Free State will be incredibly important. It will inspire younger players coming through the system. We have a strong pipeline of talent in this region, from schools to Varsity Cup structures, and seeing top-level rugby hosted here will motivate youngsters to keep playing and to dream of one day becoming a Cheetahs player.”

While the return of Test rugby won’t be immediate, with the 2026 international schedule already finalised and 2027 being a Rugby World Cup 2027 year, limiting home fixtures, the long-term outlook is undeniably positive.

This upgrade is more than just a status change; it’s a statement of intent. For Bloemfontein, for the Free State, and for the Cheetahs, it signals the start of an exciting new chapter, with more promising developments expected in the months ahead.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh