BLOEMOFNTEIN – The stage is set for four nations – South Africa, Romania, Portugal and Georgia – to showcase their rugby pride during the Toyota Challenge international tournament in Bloemfontein, with matches scheduled for 5, 10, and 14 June at the Toyota Stadium. South Africa’s provincial hosts – the Toyota Cheetahs, Airlink Pumas and Suzuki Griquas – will face off against the three European challengers in what promises to be a high-octane series of fixtures.
The tournament also acts as critical preparation for Romania, Portugal and Georgia ahead of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Australia, from 1 October to 13 November. World Cup-bound squads will fine-tune strategies for the first-ever 24-team global showpiece. The touring nations have already arrived in Bloemfontein ahead of the official kick-off on Friday 5 June.
Rugby enthusiasts can secure tickets through ticketpro.co.za. Early bird specials offer entry from R30 for primary school children and those younger; R50 for an adult to sit in the open stand; and R70 for a seat in the main stand.
Best of all, a single ticket grants supporters’ access to three matches.
Programme
Match day 1, Friday 5 June:
■ 13:30 – Airlink Pumas vs Black Lion (Georgia);
■ 15:30 – Suzuki Griquas vs Romania A; and
■ 18:00 – Toyota Cheetahs vs Lusitanos Cartrack (Portugal).
Match day 2, Wednesday 10 June:
■ 13:30 – Suzuki Griquas vs Black Lion (Georgia);
■ 15:30 – Airlink Pumas vs Lusitanos Cartrack (Portugal); and
■ 18:00 – Toyota Cheetahs vs Romania A.
Match day 3, Sunday 14 June:
■ 12:00 – Suzuki Griquas vs Lusitanos Cartrack (Portugal);
■ 14:00 – Airlink Pumas vs Romania A; and
■ 16:30 – Toyota Cheetahs vs Black Lion (Georgia).
