The Airlink Pumas have been hard at work on the training field and played two pre-season friendlies in preparation for the 2026 Carling Currie Cup.

The Mpumalanga team will host the Sharks at Mbombela Stadium this evening, Friday, July 17, at 17:00.

The Pumas played a match against the Grizzlies at Nelspruit Rugby Club on July 4. The Pumas won 59-19.

On July 11, the Pumas face the Naka Bulls at Mbombela Stadium and scored a 71-19 victory.

These matches were the last chance for coach Jimmy Stonehouse to fine-tune his team for the upcoming Currie Cup.

The Pumas finished fifth on the log in the 2025 Currie Cup, missing out on a play-off spot. They won three and lost four of their seven matches.

The Airlink Pumas will not be aiming for just a semi-final or final place this season. They want the Currie Cup trophy in their cabinet – nothing less will be good enough.The Pumas won the Currie Cup in 2022 and were runners-up in 2023.

Airlink Pumas 2026 Carling Currie Cup fixtures (home team first):
• July 17: Pumas v Sharks
• July 25: Lions v Pumas
• August 2: Boland v Pumas
• August 8: Bulls v Pumas
• August 15: Pumas v Western Province
• August 21: Pumas v Griquas
• August 29: Pumas v Cheetahs
• September 4: Possible semi-final
• September 12: Possible final.