European Challenge Cup: Cheetahs to play European games in Swansea

South African side Cheetahs will play their European Challenge Cup home matches this season at St Helen’s in Swansea, the home of Welsh side Ospreys.

Cheetahs host Dragons on Sunday, 13 December and Perpignan on Sunday, 17 January with both games a day after Ospreys’ home matches in the same competition.

Cheetahs have traditionally used Europe as a base for matches in the second-tier tournament, with games in the 2025-26 season taking place in Amsterdam.

There are links between Ospreys and Cheetahs. Y11 Sports & Media owns a majority stake in the Ospreys and maintain an investment interest in the South African team with players moving between both sides.

The Ospreys’ first game at the redeveloped St Helen’s is scheduled to be the United Rugby Championship (URC) Welsh derby against Dragons on Saturday, 24 October.

“The Ospreys are grateful to the WRU for its permission to play these matches at St Helen’s,” said Ospreys managing director Richard Lancaster.

“We’re excited to welcome the Toyota Cheetahs for these two EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures. There is already a strong relationship between the two clubs and this is another really positive step in developing that further.

“It also demonstrates the opportunities that St Helen’s can create. Having our own venue gives us the ability to bring additional high-quality rugby and events to Swansea.”

Cheetahs director of rugby is former South Africa international Frans Steyn.

“It’s great to be welcomed so warmly by our friends in rugby, the Ospreys,” Steyn said.

“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.”