By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Toyota Cheetahs are set to face international opposition later this year when they welcome the Georgian national team to Bloemfotein.
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.
The last time Georgia toured South Africa was in 2021, ahead of the Boks’ series against the British and Irish Lions.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “We received a request from Georgia for an extra match on their tour and what better opponents than the Cheetahs, who will be in the middle of their season at that stage.
“We believe it’ll be a great occasion for Cheetahs fans and rugby supporters in central South Africa and it will give our visitors a proper hit-out before they take on the Springboks.”
Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, said: “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.
“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.