European Challenge Cup

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fred Porcu/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (13660051aq) Section Paloise vs Toyota Cheetahs. Toyota Cheetahs' François Steyn European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 1 Pool B, Stade du Hameau, Pau, France - 10 Dec 2022

Highlights: Lions held, Cheetahs edge Pau

The Emirates Lions shared the spoils with the Dragons after an entertaining draw at Ellis Park on Saturday, while the Toyota Cheetahs made a winning return to international competition in southern France.

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 21: Ruan Pienaar of the Toyota Cheetahs during the Carling Currie Cup match between Toyota Cheetahs and DHL Western Province at Toyota Stadium on July 21, 2021 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)/BackpagePix

Pienaar kicks Cheetahs to victory in Challenge Cup

Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar kicked 11 points as the Cheetahs announced their European debut with a comeback victory against Top 14 outfit Section Paloise on Saturday.

Lions and Dragons share spoils in thriller

Jordan Hendrikse was unable to slot an overtime, 56-metre penalty as the Lions had to settle for a draw on Challenge Cup debut against a spirited Dragons outfit in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.

(13647711l) DHL Stormers vs Dragons RFC. Manie Libbok of DHL Stormers BKT United Rugby Championship, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa - 03 Dec 2022

Saturday Quiz: Euro Cup challenge!

Uncharted territory awaits the South African sides in the Champions Cup, but are you geared for the new challenge? Take this quiz to find out!

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 09: Frans Steyn of the Toyota Cheetahs during the Toyota Challenge match between Toyota Cheetahs and Emerging Ireland at Toyota Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)

Steyn at fullback for Cheetahs

Springbok veteran Frans Steyn will start at fullback when the Toyota Cheetahs make their long-awaited return to top-class rugby against Section Paloise on Saturday in Pau.

LIVE: Section Paloise vs Cheetahs

Follow the live action as the Toyota Cheetahs face Section Paloise in a #ChallengeCupRugby clash in Pau. #PAUvCHE

LIVE: Lions vs Dragons

Follow the live action as the Emirates Lions host the Dragons in a #ChallengeCupRugby clash at Ellis Park. #LIOvDRA

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 02: Vincent Tshituka of the Cell C Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Cell C Sharks and Ospreys at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on December 02, 2022 in Durban, South Africa.

Euro Cup picks: Sharks, Bulls make winning start

The Vodacom Bulls and Sharks will charge to victory on Champions Cup debut at home, according to the SARugbymag team.

Pollard: SA will take European rugby to new level

Springbok star Handre Pollard believes the South African teams will take the Heineken Champions Cup to “a completely different level”, just as they have done with the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Watch: Euro ain’t seen the best of SA

Lionel Mapoe dazzles in this compilation of big plays in the Vodacom URC, and Europe’s top clubs can expect more of the same when South African teams debut in the Champions and Challenge cups.