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Cheetahs back in action — with R1 million up for grabs
The Stormers and Sharks, as well as a team each from Romania and Spain, will join in the action in the new tournament.
The Cheetahs have launched a new tournament, involving the Stormers and Sharks and a team each from Spain and Romania, with R1 million up for grabs. Picture: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
An exciting rugby bonanza different from anything that has been seen on South African soil awaits rugby enthusiasts in November.
Toyota SA in conjunction with the Cheetahs have announced the Toyota Challenge, a brand-new rugby product.
Five teams – two from abroad – are going to participate in the four-match Toyota Challenge in which R1 million will be up for grabs. The matches are scheduled from 13 to 26 November in Bloemfontein.
The Cheetahs have challenged two local powerhouses in the Stormers XV and the Sharks to compete for a quarter of a million-rand worth of prize money.
On top of these two challenge matches, the Cheetah have also challenged two European rugby clubs in the form of Spain’s Diables Barcelona and Romania’s CSM Stiinta Baia Mare. These teams have never before been seen in South Africa and will bring some Catalonian flair and Romanian power to the series of matches.
Each of the matches will boast prize money of R250,000 for the winning team, but on top of that, more cash is up for grabs for individual players and fans during the Challenge.
Players will be rewarded for “positive play actions” during the games, while fans will be rewarded for supporting their favorite teams in the stadium and online on various social media platforms.
“Apart from dishing up running rugby against the old foes in the Stormers and the Sharks, the Cheetahs are excited to have two brand-new rugby friends Diables Barcelona and CSM Stiinta Baia Mare,” said MD of the Cheetahs Harold Verster.
“We are particularly delighted that the Cheetahs will have the opportunity to show their metal. This new rugby product promises to be very enticing and entertaining for the fans… and we are delighted that our supporters will be allowed in the stadium again, albeit limited to 2,000 at this stage.”
Toyota Challenge fixtures:
- Saturday 13 November: Cheetahs v Stormers XV – 5.30pm
- Wednesday 17 November: Cheetahs v Barcelona (Spain) – 5.30pm
- Saturday 20 November: Cheetahs v Sharks – 2pm
- Friday 26 November: Cheetahs v Baia Mare Rugby (Romania) – 5.30pm
