Georgia to Begin South Africa Tour in Bloemfontein

International rugby makes its way back to Bloemfontein as Georgia’s national team takes on the Toyota Cheetahs on 12 July, just a week before their Test match against the Springboks in Nelspruit.

For the second time, the Georgian team will be touring South Africa to challenge the Free Staters at the Toyota Stadium.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, remarked: “Georgia requested an additional match during their tour, and there could be no better opponent than the Toyota Cheetahs, who will be in the middle of their season.”

“We expect it to be an incredible event for Cheetah supporters and rugby fans in Central South Africa, allowing our visitors to have a comprehensive game before they face the Springboks.”

Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, shared his excitement: “We are thrilled to host Georgia at Toyota Stadium for what promises to be an electrifying match. This is an excellent opportunity for our fans to witness high-level rugby in Bloemfontein.”

“Competing against Georgia will be an excellent test for the Toyota Cheetahs. The team is prepared for the challenge, and we eagerly anticipate measuring ourselves against an international side.”

Richard Cockerill, a former England hooker and the present head coach of Georgia, also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming match.

“Going up against the Cheetahs will give us a great chance to gear up for the Test against the Boks,” said Cockerill, who previously coached England before taking the helm of the Lelos.

“Bloemfontein is an incredible locale for rugby, and the Toyota Stadium is a fantastic venue. We are excited to push ourselves against a prominent rugby nation.”

The encounter between the Boks and Georgia on 19 July at Mbombela Stadium will be the third and final matchup in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which begins with two Tests against Italy on 5 July in Pretoria and a week later in Gqeberha.