BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Cheetahs have received a significant shot in the arm in their rebuilding effort, earning an invitation to compete on the international rugby stage in the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup. The EPCR confirmed on Tuesday that the Bloemfontein franchise would return to the prestigious tournament alongside Georgia’s Black Lion as invitees, following approval from the EPCR Board. The two outfits’ participation will complete the 18-team line-up of this annual rugby union competition.
The EPCR Challenge Cup tournament is set to start with round 1 on the weekend of 16 to 18 October. The organiser stated that Black Lion has been invited to participate for a further two seasons, and the Cheetahs for this upcoming season. The two sides will join eight teams from the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC), six from the Top 14, and two from the Gallagher Premiership.

The Cheetahs’ invitation follows a competitive tender process that attracted interest from clubs across multiple countries, highlighting the increasing appeal and growing profile of the Challenge Cup. The organising sporting body EPCR stated that the Cheetahs and Black Lion met the required participation criteria, including establishing a European home base.

The Cheetahs faced Black Lion in the four nations tournament featuring South Africa, Romania, Portugal and Georgia played in Bloemfontein on 5, 10 and 14 June. The local side finished second overall in the competition that also featured South Africa’s Pumas and Griquas, with the latter topping the log.
An invitation to compete in the EPCR competition comes in handy for the team to blend new signees and experienced players – benefiting both the technical team’s and players’ growth. The Free State rugby giants debuted in the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2022, and their return this season extends their participation to four consecutive seasons in the competition.
They made an impressive debut in their first year, qualifying for the round of 16 before falling to French giants Toulon. However, the going proved tougher in later years as they struggled against clubs from the Northern Hemisphere.
The Cheetahs were unable to cope with the demands of both international and domestic competition, battling against the likes of the Chiefs, Racing 92 and Stade Français Paris in their pool stages.
In the 2025–’26 season, they finished their campaign in sixth place in the pool. Their journey was further compounded by a cancelled home fixture against Ulster due to freezing weather in Amsterdam, which resulted in a forfeit loss.