Georgia will take on the Cheetahs in July in a match they will use as preparation for their Test against the Springboks a week later in Nelspruit. The Georgians requested this fixture to fine-tune their squad ahead of facing the back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions.

While it may not be a full Test match, Georgia remains a top international side that has repeatedly proven its worth at the highest level of rugby. They are formidable opponents capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams on the world stage.

Georgia versus the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: World Rugby

Many Georgian players compete for Black Lion in the EPCR Challenge Cup – one of the invitational teams in the competition, alongside the Cheetahs. This match will be an ideal opportunity for the Free State side to toughen up ahead of their return to European competition in December.

The newly appointed Cheetahs CEO, Rory Duncan, said they are excited to host Georgia in Bloemfontein. “We are thrilled to welcome Georgia to Toyota Stadium for what promises to be an exciting encounter. This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to witness top-class rugby in Bloemfontein.

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

Georgia’s head coach, former England international hooker Richard Cockerill, believes facing the Cheetahs will be a valuable test for his squad. “Playing the Cheetahs will be a great opportunity for us to prepare for the Test match against the Boks,” said Cockerill.

Georgia against Portugal at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: World Rugby

“Bloemfontein is a fantastic place to play rugby, and Toyota Stadium is an incredible venue. We are excited to test ourselves against a great rugby nation.”

Georgia’s first visit to Bloemfontein

This will be only Georgia’s second-ever tour to South Africa as a national team, but their first visit to Bloemfontein. A few years ago, Black Lion competed in the Currie Cup First Division, adding an international flavour to the competition.

The match between the Cheetahs and Lelos at Toyota Stadium will take place on 14 July.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg