TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Toyota Cheetahs vs Aviron Bayonnais

The Toyota Cheetahs are set to begin their 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign against French side Aviron Bayonnais on Sunday, 18 October, at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne, France.

The opening Pool 1 encounter presents an opportunity for the Toyota Cheetahs to build on their European experience and make a positive start to the campaign.

The team will look to bring their trademark attacking intent and tempo to the contest. Last season, the Toyota Cheetahs recorded one of the fastest average ruck speeds in the EPCR Challenge Cup, highlighting their ability to compete at the breakdown and move the ball quickly. Hooker Louis van der Westhuizen was a key contributor, leading the team in both carries (31) and tackles (37).

Head coach Frans Steyn has named his team for the encounter, with Carl Els set to make his debut for the Toyota Cheetahs. Els joins the squad following an impressive Currie Cup campaign with the Griquas.

“We’re excited to have Carl at the Cheetahs. He had a great Currie Cup season with the Griquas, and hopefully he’ll settle into our system quickly and continue that good form. We’re going to need that from him against Bayonne,” said Steyn.

Looking ahead to the challenge, Steyn believes the focus must be on the team’s own performance and execution.

“We have a great squad, and now we need to perform. It’s about focusing on what we do, sticking to our game plan and executing better than the opposition. We need to make sure we get the job done.”

Steyn also expects a formidable atmosphere at Stade Jean Dauger, having previously played against Bayonne at the venue alongside Toyota Cheetahs fullback Henry Immelman.

“I’ve played against Bayonne in Bayonne with Henry, so I know what to expect. The stadium should be packed on Sunday, and the atmosphere will be intimidating. It’s good to have Henry in the squad and in the team. We know it will be a tough challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Toyota Cheetahs captain Neels Volschenk acknowledged the quality of the French side and the challenge that awaits his team.

“Bayonne have an incredible squad, with players who have competed at the highest level. Matching that standard will be a real test for us, but it’s one we’re looking forward to. We have no excuses. This stretch of fixtures will give us a good indication of where we are as a team and what we need to improve on.”

With the new campaign about to get underway, the Toyota Cheetahs will be aiming for a disciplined, committed performance as they look to make their opening match count.

Match details

Fixture: Aviron Bayonnais vs Toyota Cheetahs
Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup 2026/27 – Round 1, Pool 1
Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 local time (15:00 South African time)
Venue: Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne, France

Toyota Cheetahs Team

1. Matome Manyama
2. Louis van der Westhuizen
3. Frankie Dos Reis
4. Carl Wegner
5. Victor Sekekete
6. Neels Volschenk
7. Simon Miller
8. Carl Els
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Tiaan Swanepoel
11. Prince Nkabinde
12. Zander Du Plessis
13. Carel-Jan Coetzee
14. Michael Annies
15. Henry Immelman

Substitutes

1. Jaundre Schoeman
2. Tebogo Nkosi
3. Ben Pitout
4. Aidon Davis
5. Siya Ningiza
6. Erich Visser
7. Cohen Jasper
8. Marco Jansen van Vuren

Match Officials: The referee for the match is Sara Cox (England). She will be assisted by Henry Pearson and Jamie Leahy. The TMO is Peter Allan.

Next Match: EPCR Challenge Cup Round 2 | Toyota Cheetahs vs Dragons RFC on Sunday, 13 December at St Helen’s in Swansea, Wales.