The Toyota Cheetahs have announced that the annual Toyota Challenge will be taking place again later in the year in Bloemfontein.

This year the Cheetahs will measure themselves against top opposition again with the Australian Super Rugby franchise, the Western Force as well as the Emerging Ireland team heading back to the city.

The Griffons and Pumas will also form part of the tournament with games against the Cheetahs and Emerging Ireland respectively.

Last year the Cheetahs used their four games in Bloemfontein and Perth against the Force to prepare for the EPCR Challenge Cup and it will be no different.

The Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, told OFM Sport that facing top opposition helps.

“The Toyota Challenge is a great competition, I think in that sense that we can play against the Force again and that we can play against the Emerging Ireland side,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“The previous time we played the Emerging Ireland side it was a very, very good side and there's quality players in there.

“I think for us it's a great opportunity again to measure ourselves against the guys from there.”

The Toyota Cheetahs will be played in October and the fixtures will be announced in due course.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport