We need to make sure we get the job done - Frans Steyn

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

The opening Pool 1 encounter presents an opportunity for the 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 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 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 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.”

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 Cheetahs will be aiming for a disciplined, committed performance as they look to make their opening match count.

Meanwhile, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) and DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, have entered a multi-territory broadcast agreement covering the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

The partnership allows DAZN users in multiple markets to watch free-to-air coverage of one Investec Champions Cup match per round across multiple markets, while viewers in Italy will benefit from additional subscription coverage.

Leveraging DAZN’s global footprint and built-for-sport platform, EPCR is strengthening the international distribution of its premier club rugby competitions through this new agreement, bringing more European and South African club rugby to millions of fans. The partnership aims to expand the competitions’ reach and attract new audiences.

In Italy, DAZN will stream every Investec Champions Cup match live in English, with one match per round also available free-to-air.

DAZN will also stream both matches involving Italian clubs in every round of the EPCR Challenge Cup, with Italian-language commentary, giving fans extensive access to the country’s teams as they compete for the coveted silverware.

The new DAZN offering will complement EPCR TV, broadening the ways in which rugby fans in Italy can follow both competitions throughout the coming two seasons.

Beyond Italy, DAZN will make one Investec Champions Cup match per round available free-to-air in Japan, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Caribbean, the Nordics, the Baltics, Benelux, Poland, the Pacific Islands, the DACH region, Brazil and Romania.

DAZN will provide live and delayed broadcasts as well as on-demand content, offering audiences greater flexibility in how they access the competitions.

EPCR Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer John Barton said: “Expanding the international profile and accessibility of our competitions is a key priority for EPCR, and this new agreement with DAZN is an important step forward. Italy is a particularly exciting market for us, and combining free-to-air and subscription coverage, alongside EPCR TV, will give more fans the opportunity to engage with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. We’re also delighted to extend our relationship with DAZN across a broad range of international markets, helping us bring the very best of club rugby to new and existing audiences around the world.”

Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, said: “By combining EPCR’s world-class rugby competitions with DAZN’s global reach and innovative platform, we can bring the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup to more fans across more markets. DAZN’s partnership with EPCR reflects our commitment to support leading sports properties with growing their international audiences, while giving fans easier and more flexible access to the sport they love.”

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Zander Du Plessis, 11 Prince Nkabinde; 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Faf de Klerk; 8 Carl Els, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Neels Volschenk (capt); 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Frankie Dos Reis, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Matome Manyama. Replacements: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Aidon Davis, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Cohen Jasper, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren.

Aviron Bayonnais v Toyota Cheetahs - Sunday @ Stade Jean-Dauger, Bayonne (2pm)

Referee: Sara Cox

TV: SuperSport