Cheetahs to host international opposition from Ireland, Italy and USA

The Cheetahs will square off against three international teams when they host the second Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein between 30 September and 21 October.

International outfits Emerging Ireland, Italy A and USA National A have been added to the schedule for the event this year, while the Cheetahs will also tackle their neighbours Griquas.

Five teams will participate in the four-match Toyota Challenge, with the Cheetahs taking on Griquas, Italy A, 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.

Italy A and the Emerging Ireland team will consist of some of the best young players in Ireland and Italy,  while the USA National A side will be composed of the Major League Rugby (MLR) teams in the USA but without their European players.

The Toyota Challenge will form part of the USA Eagles' preparation for their World Cup qualifier in November in Dubai, in which they will compete against Hong Kong, Kenya and Portugal for a place in the 2023 World Cup tournament in France.

Leading up to the Toyota Challenge matches, the international teams will play in a series of Toyota-friendly matches in South Africa. Italy A will play against the Griquas and Currie Cup champions the Pumas; Emerging Ireland will face Griquas and the Pumas, and USA National A will take on the Pumas.

Friday, 30 September 2022:

13:45 - Griquas vs Emerging Ireland

16:15 - Cheetahs v Italy A (Toyota Challenge match)

Wednesday, 5 October 2022:

17:00 - Pumas v Emerging Ireland

19:00 - Griquas v Italy A

Sunday, 9 October 2022:

11:00 - Pumas v Italy A

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

Friday, 14 October 2022:

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