The 2026 edition of the competition will feature three visiting teams  Georgian side Black Lion, Portugal and Romania ‘A’. Black Lion are already familiar opponents for the Cheetahs, having also competed in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

All three touring nations have qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Georgia and Romania have been drawn in the same pool as South Africa, while Portugal returns to Bloemfontein after playing the Springboks at Toyota Stadium in 2024 in front of a sold-out crowd.

Chucky van der Westhuizen against Black Lion. Photo: Morgan Piek

The opening leg of the tournament will take place at Toyota Stadium on 5, 10 and 14 June, where the three South African sides will each face the visiting teams. The second leg of the competition will be played in Tbilisi, Georgia, in October.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said the tournament provides important preparation for the visiting teams as they build towards the World Cup.

“This competition gives Portugal, Georgia and Romania valuable high-performance preparation as they continue building towards the Rugby World Cup,” said Alexander.

Franco Smith Jr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“At the same time, it provides the Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas with valuable international exposure. Competing against strong European opposition will help develop players and showcase emerging Springbok talent.

“The Toyota Challenge is an important investment in growing the game, strengthening international relationships and preparing players for rugby’s biggest stage.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said the competition has grown since it was first introduced in 2021.

Springboks versus Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The Toyota Challenge was created to give the Cheetahs meaningful international matches outside the Vodacom URC environment,” said Oberholzer.

“This year, the competition expands to include the Griquas and Pumas, both of whom have enjoyed success in recent seasons in the SA Cup and Carling Currie Cup.

“Fans can also look forward to more than just rugby, with entertainment, fan activities, family zones and student-focused activities planned across the three match days.”

Free State Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan said the new format will create a unique experience for supporters.

Gustav du Rand of the Pumas scoring against the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

“With three match days featuring multiple games per day, the Toyota Challenge will feel like a rugby festival for both players and fans,” said Duncan.

“We are grateful to Toyota South Africa Motors for their continued support, as well as SA Rugby for helping make this competition possible.”

Toyota South Africa Motors’ senior vice president of sales and marketing, Leon Theron, said the tournament reflects the company’s commitment to rugby.

The Griquas are the reigning Currie Cup champions. Photo: Morgan Piek

“By expanding the Toyota Challenge and welcoming strong international teams, we are raising the standard of rugby while creating a world-class experience for supporters,” said Theron.

The visiting unions also welcomed the opportunity to compete in the tournament.

Georgian Rugby Union president Davit Katcharava said the competition aligns with the goals of the Black Lion team and could grow into an even bigger international event.

Portuguese Rugby Federation president Carlos Amado da Silva said the tournament will help develop players in a highly competitive environment, while Romanian Rugby Union president Alin Petrache highlighted the importance of quality matches for Romania ‘A’ as players push for selection in the national side.

Toyota Challenge fixtures (Kick-off times to be confirmed):

Friday, 5 June 2026 – Bloemfontein

14:00 – Pumas vs Black Lion

16:00 – Griquas vs Romania ‘A’

18:00 – Cheetahs vs Portugal

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 – Bloemfontein

14:00 – Griquas vs Black Lion

16:00 –  Pumas vs Portugal

18:00 – Cheetahs vs Romania ‘A’

Sunday, 14 June 2026 – Bloemfontein

12:00 – Griquas vs Portugal

14:00 – Pumas vs Romania ‘A’

16:00 – Cheetahs vs Black Lion

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm