Bulls agree to join Cheetahs' party in Bloem

The Bulls have agreed to participate in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein after the withdrawal of Italy A.

This means the Cheetahs will now entertain the Bulls in the opening match of the event on Friday, 30 September.  

In a statement, the Cheetahs said Italy A withdrew "due to unforeseen circumstances". In addition, a Western Province XV team also agreed to play a friendly match to help fill the roster.

"It is a great privilege for the Cheetahs to welcome the Bulls and Western Province XV in this year's Toyota Challenge. I believe that the tournament will contribute significantly to the Bloemfontein community. We are happy to support and have more local teams involved," Cheetahs CEO Ross van Reenen said.

Five teams will participate in the four-match Toyota Challenge, with the Cheetahs also taking on Griquas, Emerging Ireland and USA National A in one-off matches. The winning team will earn R250 000, and a total of R1 000 000 will be up for grabs.

The Bulls will also face Griquas on Wednesday, 5 October, in a friendly match, while Western Province XV will take on the Pumas in another friendly on Sunday, 9 October. 

Friday, 30 September 2022:

16:15 - Cheetahs v Bulls (Toyota Challenge match)  

13:45 - Griquas v Emerging Ireland

Wednesday, 5 October 2022:

17:00 - Pumas v Emerging Ireland 

19:00 - Griquas v Bulls 

Sunday, 9 October 2022:

13:00 - Cheetahs v Emerging Ireland (Toyota Challenge Match) 

11:00 - Pumas v Western Province XV

Friday, 14 October 2022:

18:00 - Cheetahs v USA National A (Toyota Challenge Match) 

Friday, 21 October 2022:

16:15 - Cheetahs v Griquas (Toyota Challenge Match)          

13:45 - Pumas v USA National A

In addition to the prizes for the winning teams, cash prizes will be up for grabs for individual players