Bulls to lock horns with Cheetahs in the Toyota Challenge

The Toyota Cheetahs will now face the Vodacom Bulls in the opening match of the 2022 Toyota Challenge on Friday, 30 September.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Italy A have withdrawn from the Toyota Challenge, but the Vodacom Bulls were ready and eager to take up the challenge.

Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, said: “It is a great privilege for the Toyota Cheetahs to welcome the Vodacom Bulls and DHL 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.”

The Toyota Cheetahs are challenging the Vodacom Bulls, Emerging Ireland and USA National A, and the Windhoek Draught Griquas at Toyota Stadium for R1 million in prize money. Each match has R250 000 up for grabs.

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

Fans supporting their favourite teams in the Toyota Stadium and on social media will have much to look forward to. In addition to the prizes for the winning teams, cash prizes will be up for grabs for individual players and fans during the Toyota Challenge. Players will be rewarded for "positive play actions", encouraging a bonanza of running rugby, bone-crunching tackles and tries galore.

“This is probably the most unique rugby tournament in the world, and we all await with bated breath the first kick-off between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Vodacom Bulls on Friday, 30 September at 16:15,” said Ross van Reenen.

Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone, added: “The Vodacom Bulls are excited to be part of this exceptional tournament. We will be up against quality opposition in the Toyota Cheetahs and the Windhoek Draught Griquas. We are looking forward to an electrifying tournament.”

Updated Toyota Challenge fixtures:

Friday, 30 September 2022:
4:15pm Toyota Cheetahs vs Vodacom Bulls (Toyota Challenge match)
1:45pm Windhoek Draught Griquas vs Emerging Ireland

Wednesday, 5 October 2022:
5pm Airlink Pumas vs Emerging Ireland
7pm Windhoek Draught Griquas vs Vodacom Bulls

Sunday, 9 October 2022:
1pm Toyota Cheetahs vs Emerging Ireland (Toyota Challenge Match)
11am Airlink Pumas vs DHL Western Province XV

Friday, 14 October 2022:
6pm Toyota Cheetahs vs USA National A (Toyota Challenge Match)

Friday, 21 October 2022:
4:15pm Toyota Cheetahs vs Windhoek Draught Griquas (Toyota Challenge Match)
1:45pm Airlink Pumas vs USA National A