Cheetahs secure Swansea base for EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with Ospreys partnership

The Toyota Cheetahs will stage their EPCR Challenge Cup pool fixtures at Ospreys’ St Helen’s ground in Swansea this season, with the South African side set to face Dragons on December 13 and Top 14 outfit Perpignan on January 17.

Both matches will form part of double-header weekends at the newly redeveloped venue. The Ospreys host Harlequins 24 hours before the Cheetahs meet the Dragons, while Vannes visit Swansea the day before the Cheetahs take on Perpignan.

The arrangement builds on a growing relationship between the two clubs that has already included player-development opportunities. The sides will also explore the possibility of training together during the Cheetahs’ time in Wales.

Ospreys managing director Richard Lancaster said the deal illustrated the commercial possibilities that come with owning their own ground. “We’re really excited to welcome the Toyota Cheetahs for these two EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures,” he said. “Having our own venue gives us the ability to bring additional high-quality rugby and events to Swansea.”

Cheetahs chief operating officer MJ Smith said the club’s ambition was to make St Helen’s a “home away from home” for both the squad and their travelling supporters. “We have built some wonderful relationships within European rugby, especially with Rugby Nederland and Zebre Parma in Italy,” Smith added. “Now we have this wonderful opportunity to work with the Ospreys in Swansea, and we are very excited.”

Cheetahs director of rugby Francois Steyn, the former Springboks centre, welcomed the warmth of the reception from the Welsh region. “St Helen’s has a proud history, and we’re looking forward to playing there, experiencing the newly redeveloped stadium and making it our home in Europe,” he said.

The partnership represents a notable step in the Cheetahs’ efforts to establish a stable European foothold during the Challenge Cup pool stage, with the club leaning on cross-border club relationships to build their presence on the continent.