Cheetahs and Force to square off in 2023 Toyota Challenge

The Toyota Cheetahs, recently crowned Currie Cup Premier Division champions, are set for an exhilarating four-match series against the Western Force from Australia.

This thrilling contest is set to take place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday 25 August and Saturday 2 September, with the return matches scheduled for Perth in Western Australia on Friday 29 September and Saturday 7 October.

As in the previous two years, the 2023 Toyota Challenge promises to deliver riveting action, showcasing these two exceptional teams’ dedication, skill, and determination.

The 2023 Toyota Challenge will again boast a total prize money of R1 million, with R250,000 awarded for each match. This significant prize money not only adds to the intensity of the competition but also recognises the outstanding efforts of the teams.

Both teams have a storied history of intense competition and remarkable sportsmanship. The two teams entered Super Rugby in 2006 when the tournament was extended from 12 to 14 teams. Their last encounter was on 2 July 2016 in Bloemfontein.

The Toyota Cheetahs and Western Force have had 10 previous encounters, each winning five. The teams met six times at the Toyota Stadium and four times in Perth.

Leon Theron, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Toyota South Africa Motors (Toyota), said: “It’s world cup season and it is only fitting that we kickoff the festivities with the launch of the third annual Toyota Challenge. This event stands as a living testament to our unwavering dedication to rugby in South Africa. I look forward to seeing the two southern hemisphere teams back in action after seven years. This gripping competition will ignite the flames of sportsmanship and bridge the gap between two exceptional never-say-die teams.”

Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Toyota Cheetahs, expressed his anticipation for the forthcoming challenge: “We are thrilled to present the 2023 Toyota Challenge, bringing together the Toyota Cheetahs and Western Force in a series of unforgettable rugby battles. These matches will showcase sporting talent and foster camaraderie and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship. This tournament will be testament to the unyielding spirit of rugby that binds us together.

“We extend our gratitude to Toyota South Africa for their unwavering support in making the 2023 Toyota Challenge a reality. Their commitment to promoting sports and fostering community engagement aligns perfectly with the spirit of this tournament, and we are proud to have them as our esteemed partner and main sponsor.”

For ticketing information, event updates, and exclusive content, visit the Toyota Cheetahs' official website www.cheetahs.rugby. Tickets will be available online at www.ticketpro.co.za at R100 for the main stand, R50 for the open stand and R30 for kids.

Match Schedule:
Friday, 25 August: Toyota Cheetahs vs Western Force – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, 17h00
Saturday, 2 September: Toyota Cheetahs vs Western Force – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, 15h00
Friday, 29 September: Western Force vs Toyota Cheetahs – Lane Group Stadium, Perth, 13h00 (SA time)
Saturday, 7 October: Western Force vs Toyota Cheetahs – Revo Fitness Stadium, Perth, 09h00 (SA time)

All games will be live on SuperSport and Stan Sports.

Toyota Cheetahs Toyota Challenge Western Force Bloemfontein Perth

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