Cheetahs to tackle Georgia in Bloemfontein

International rugby will return to Bloemfontein when Georgia face the Cheetahs in July, a week before their Test against the Springboks in Mbombela.

The Georgians, who will tour to South Africa for the second time, will cross swords with the Free Staters at Free State Stadium on July 12.

“We received a request from Georgia for an extra match on their tour and what better opponent than the Cheetahs, who will be in the middle of their season at that stage,” SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said.

“We believe it’ll be a great occasion for Cheetah fans and rugby supporters in central South Africa and it will give our visitors a proper hit-out before they take on the Springboks.”

Free State Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan added: “We are thrilled to host Georgia for what promises to be an exciting encounter. This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to witness top-class rugby in Bloemfontein.

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“Playing against Georgia will be a great test for the Cheetahs. The team is up for the challenge, and we are eager to see how we measure against an international side.”

Richard Cockerill, a former England hooker who is now the head coach of Georgia, was equally excited about the match.

“Playing the Cheetahs will be a great opportunity for us to prepare for the Test match against the Boks,” said Cockerill, who also coached England before taking up the position with the Lelos.

“Bloemfontein is a great place to play rugby, and the Free State Stadium is an amazing venue. We are excited about testing ourselves against a great rugby nation.”

The Boks’ clash against Georgia on July 19 at the Mbombela Stadium will be the third and last in the Incoming Series, which kicks off with two Tests against Italy, on July 5 in Pretoria and a week later in Gqeberha.

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