The DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks kept the South African flag flying in the second round of the Investec Champions Cup this past weekend, as they registered vital victories against Stade Rochelais and Saracens, while the Vodacom Bulls succumbed to a heavy defeat against the Northampton Saints in a respectable weekend for South Africa’s teams.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome English giants Saracens to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday for the first home game of their Investec Champions Cup campaign.
Toyota Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn has announced his squad for their EPCR Challenge Cup against Stade Français.
While the DHL Stormers aim to maintain their strong form against Stade Rochelais in round two of the Investec Champions Cup, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs and Lions will be desperate to bounce back from opening-round defeats to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The DHL Stormers provided the only ray of light in a bleak opening weekend of European rugby for the five South African teams, as they toppled Aviron Bayonnais in France, while the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Lions, and Toyota Cheetahs all faltered in their Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup matches.
The Toyota Cheetahs are in England for the opening round of the 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup, where they will face the Exeter Chiefs in the last match of the weekend on Sunday, 7 December.
The Sharks can confirm that Head Coach John Plumtree has communicated to The Sharks ownership his intention, to step away from his role following the conclusion of our upcoming fixture against Toulouse in France.
Reigning champions Union Bordeaux Bègles will kick off the defence of their Investec Champions Cup crown against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria, while the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks both face tough away fixtures in France as the European showpiece gets underway this weekend.
The Toyota Cheetahs are heading north for their fourth EPCR Challenge Cup campaign, and the touring squad for the December games has been announced.
The Toyota Cheetahs will make history in the 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup as they prepare for their first-ever encounters against Exeter Chiefs, Racing 92 and Stade Français Paris.