South Africa could add a fifth franchise to the United Rugby Championship with the Cheetahs lined up for a return to the competition, according to reports.
The Bloemfontein-based outfit was removed from the PRO14 back in 2020 to accommodate the inclusion of the four other South African franchises (Bulls, Lions, Stormers, Sharks) following their exit from Super Rugby to create the URC.
Since then, they have been starved of regular top-level club rugby playing in the Currie Cup and the Challenge Cup.
However, a return to the URC could be on the cards with official word expected this Friday, according to a report in South Africa.
Cheetahs return to top-flight rugby?
According to a report by Afrikaans publication Rapport, the Cheetahs will find out whether they will participate in the URC this week, with a source suggesting that there is a positive feeling about the outcome.
“It’s part of the conversation, but a lot of water still needs to be drained,” a top rugby administrator told the publication.
Due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, details are limited according to Rapport, but with Welsh Rugby set to cut down their number of participating clubs from four to three, the Cheetahs could be primed to fill that void.
The Welsh Rugby Union are currently looking to map out the next stages of their proposal to cut one of the four professional regions by the end of the 2027/28 season after negotiations between the WRU and Y11 Sport & Media, the current owners of Ospreys, over a proposed takeover of Cardiff collapsed.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: “We know we need to move to three clubs, nothing has changed there, for both financial and performance reasons, and so we can invest in the right way in our pathway to ensure the future of the game.
“But this move brings stability to the system where it is needed and a calmness and assuredness to our plans for the future.
“Y11 presented the best bid for Cardiff Rugby, but the WRU has ultimately concluded that it is in the best interests of Welsh rugby for Cardiff Rugby to remain under WRU ownership for now.
“We remain undeterred from our ambition to move to three professional sides; this is necessary for the future of our game.”
Cheetahs, Griquas, and Pumas host international clubs
The prospect of rejoining the URC comes after more good news in Bloemfontein after the Cheetahs announced the signing of double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk on a two-year deal. This, after a consortium of local businessmen intervened to save the franchise from financial ruin.
Earlier this week, SA Rugby also announced that an improved Toyota Challenge will kick off in June.
The Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas will face off against three international touring sides this year with the Black Lion from Georgia joined by Portugal and Romania ‘A’.
“The new format brings real energy and excitement to the tournament, with three international match days and multiple fixtures played on one day, it creates a true festival for rugby for both players and fans,” said Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs.
“We have a partner in Toyota that believes in our vision of playing in a meaningful international competition, and we’re incredibly grateful to Toyota South Africa Motors for their continued support. We also thank SA Rugby for helping to bring this concept to life.
“As we head into the sixth edition of the tournament, the 2026 Toyota Challenge promises to deliver a world-class rugby experience and continue growing the game on an international stage.”
Springboks legends’ verdict on Faf de Klerk’s ‘unbelievable’ South Africa return
Toyota Challenge fixtures (kick-off times to be confirmed):
Friday, 5 June 2026:
14h00: Airlink Pumas vs Black Lion
16:00: Suzuki Griquas vs Romania ‘A’
18h00: Toyota Cheetahs vs Portugal
Wednesday, 10 June 2026:
14h00: Suzuki Griquas vs Black Lion
16h00: Airlink Pumas vs Portugal
18h00: Toyota Cheetahs vs Romania ‘A’
Sunday, 14 June 2026:
12h00: Suzuki Griquas vs Portugal
14h00: Airlink Pumas vs Romania ‘A’
16h00: Toyota Cheetahs vs Black Lion