Chiefs to Host Toyota Cheetahs and Cardiff Rugby at Sandy Park in EPCR Challenge Cup

Chiefs will face Toyota Cheetahs for the first time as the South African side and Cardiff Rugby prepare to play EPCR Challenge Cup matches at Sandy Park.

The South African invitational side will arrive in Devon to kick off the 2025/26 campaign on Sunday, December 7 (KO 17:30) for an opening round Pool Three match.

The Cheetahs – a former United Rugby Championship side – previously fostered the talent of one of Chiefs’ latest signings, Joseph Dweba, who made more than 40 appearances for the club at the start of his career.

Round two and three of the Challenge Cup will see Chiefs face back-to-back fixtures in France. Two sides who have fought for Champions Cup titles in past seasons – Racing 92 and Stade Francais – await the Exeter men.

Racing 92 host Chiefs on Sunday, December 14 (KO 14:00 local time) in round two, venue yet to be confirmed. It will be an exciting meeting for Rob Baxter’s men who emerged victorious over the French juggernauts in the 2020 Champions Cup final.

Chiefs then battle it out on Saturday, January 10 (KO 14:00 local time) at the Stade Jean Bouin against Stade Francais. Another former foe, it was the Frenchmen who snatched a win in the 2012 play-offs against Chiefs.

Chiefs’ pool matches then wrap up at home in round four against Welsh side Cardiff Rugby on Sunday, January 18 (KO 13:00). A reestablishment of the old Anglo-Welsh rivalry will be a game not to miss for Chiefs and Cardiff supporters alike.

Ticket for all home games will be released at a later date.

Currently, the only way to secure your seat for these huge games will be with a 2025/26 Exeter Chiefs Season Ticket, which can be purchased here.

Fixtures:

• Exeter Chiefs v Toyotah Cheetahs | Sun, Dec 7 (KO 17:30)
• Racing 92 v Exeter Chiefs | Sun, Dec 14 (KO 14:00 local time)
• Stade Francais Paris v Exeter Chiefs | Sat, Jan 10 (KO 14:00 local time)
• Exeter Chiefs v Cardiff Rugby | Sun, Jan 18 (KO 13:00)

You can read the full Challenge Cup announcement for all fixtures here.