Free State Cheetahs
The Free State Cheetahs, officially known as the Toyota Free State Cheetahs for sponsorship reasons, is a professional rugby union team based in Bloemfontein, South Africa, representing the Free State province and competing primarily in the Currie Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup.[1][2] Established in 1895 as the Orange Free State Rugby Union, the team plays its home matches at Toyota Stadium, a venue with a capacity of over 40,000 that has hosted key fixtures since the franchise's early days.[3][4] The Cheetahs entered the Super Rugby competition in 2006 as one of two expansion teams, alongside Australia's Western Force, and participated until 2017, achieving notable success including reaching the playoffs in 2013—their first postseason appearance—and finishing as high as third in the South African conference that year.[5][6] Following their exit from Super Rugby due to structural changes in the tournament, the team joined the Pro14 (now United Rugby Championship) in 2017, competing until 2020 amid financial challenges that led to their withdrawal.[5][7] In domestic rugby, the Cheetahs are seven-time Currie Cup champions, with victories in 1976, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2016, 2019, and 2023, including a dramatic 25-17 final win over the Pumas in their most recent title.[2][8][9] Their 2005-2007 three-peat marked a golden era, with consecutive finals triumphs at home in Bloemfontein, including a 20-18 comeback victory against the Lions in 2007.[4][10] Beyond the Currie Cup, the team has participated in European competitions, qualifying for the 2025/26 EPCR Challenge Cup season with upcoming matches against teams like Exeter Chiefs and Stade Français Paris.[1] The franchise has a proud tradition of developing talent, producing 87 Springboks over its history, and maintains strong community ties in the Free State through initiatives like youth programs and partnerships with local businesses.[11] As of 2025, under ongoing sponsorship from Toyota South Africa Motors—extended through at least 2028—the Cheetahs continue to focus on rebuilding competitiveness in South African rugby while celebrating their 130-year legacy.[2][3]Overview
Establishment and identity
The Orange Free State Rugby Union was founded in 1895 in Bloemfontein, marking the establishment of organized rugby in the region.[12] This union initially represented the rugby interests of the Orange Free State province, serving as its primary provincial team within South Africa's emerging rugby framework.[12] Following the post-apartheid renaming of the province to Free State in 1994, the union adopted the name Free State Rugby Union. In 1996, it pioneered a rebranding in South African rugby by adopting the "Free State Cheetahs" identity, including a cheetah mascot symbolizing speed and agility, and traditional colors of orange and white to reflect provincial heritage.[13] As the senior representative side of the Free State Rugby Union under the South African Rugby Union (SARU), the Cheetahs hold a key position in the national hierarchy, primarily as a provincial franchise focused on developing talent for higher levels, including the Springboks.[12][5] After exiting Super Rugby following the 2017 season and competing in the PRO14 (now United Rugby Championship) until 2020, the Free State Cheetahs have refocused on domestic and European competitions, currently participating in the Currie Cup—the premier South African provincial tournament—and the EPCR Challenge Cup as an invited South African side.[14][15] This structure underscores their role in sustaining professional rugby in the Free State while contributing to the broader South African rugby ecosystem.[16]Home ground and facilities
The primary home ground of the Free State Cheetahs is Toyota Stadium, located in Bloemfontein, which serves as the base for both the professional Toyota Cheetahs and the Toyota Free State Cheetahs teams.[17] The stadium, owned by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality with a long-term lease held by the Free State Rugby Union, has a capacity of 42,000 spectators and features modern amenities including four change rooms, floodlights exceeding 2,000 lux for international-standard play, and over 100 hospitality suites.[17] Originally constructed in 1955, it underwent significant renovations in 1995 to reach a capacity of 36,000 for the Rugby World Cup and further upgrades in 2009 ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup, enhancing its pitch dimensions to 100m x 70m with a hybrid rye surface.[17] In addition to match-day use, the Cheetahs utilize dedicated training facilities at Toyota Stadium, supplemented by alternative venues such as Xerox Shimla Park at the University of the Free State for select fixtures and development sessions.[18] The team's high-performance infrastructure includes the UXi Cheetahs Institute of Excellence, co-located at the stadium, which provides shared access to gymnasiums, physiotherapy rooms, team meeting areas, and recovery zones for player development programs.[19] This setup supports holistic athlete preparation through position-specific training, exposure to senior squad interactions, and recovery protocols, fostering progression from academy levels to professional play.[19] Situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters, Toyota Stadium offers the Cheetahs a notable home advantage, particularly in exploiting the thinner air to fatigue visiting teams during high-intensity phases of play.[20] Coaches have emphasized adapting strategies to leverage this elevation, such as emphasizing running plays to wear down opponents unaccustomed to the conditions.[21] The venue's design, including entertainment areas like the Castle Deck accommodating up to 5,000 fans, contributes to robust attendance, enhancing team morale and creating an intimidating atmosphere for rivals.[20]History
Origins and provincial era
The Free State Rugby Union, originally known as the Orange Free State Rugby Union, was founded on March 27, 1895, in Bloemfontein, marking the establishment of organized rugby in the region.[12] The union joined the Currie Cup competition in 1894 as one of the early provincial participants, with the inaugural inter-provincial tournament having begun in 1889.[22] As an amateur outfit, the team competed in provincial matches against established sides like Western Province and Transvaal, emphasizing a running style of play that became characteristic of the province, though it did not achieve major success until later decades.[12] The amateur status persisted through the early 20th century, with players balancing rugby commitments with full-time employment, reflecting the broader structure of South African rugby at the time.[23] The team's breakthrough came in the provincial era with its first Currie Cup title in 1976, defeating Western Province 33-16 in the final at Free State Stadium, ending a long drought and establishing the side as a competitive force.[11] This victory was followed by a period of consolidation, but the early 2000s saw a dominant run, with Currie Cup wins in 2005 (29-25 over the Blue Bulls in Pretoria), a shared title in 2006 (28-28 draw with the Blue Bulls in Bloemfontein), and another outright victory in 2007 (20-18 against the Golden Lions).[24] These successes intensified the historic rivalry with the Blue Bulls, the neighboring Northern Transvaal side, characterized by fierce provincial derbies that often decided Currie Cup outcomes and drew large crowds to Loftus Versfeld and Free State Stadium.[25] The late apartheid era and its end profoundly influenced the team's evolution, as South Africa's readmission to international rugby in 1992 necessitated player integration across racial lines to align with global standards. This shift, coupled with the abolition of apartheid laws by 1994, enabled the inclusion of non-white players in provincial squads, broadening the talent pool and fostering a more representative team identity.[26] Concurrently, the 1980s and 1990s saw a move toward semi-professionalism, with provinces like the Free State offering player stipends and better facilities to retain talent amid growing commercialization.[12] A pivotal early experiment in this direction was the 1996 Bankfin Nite Series victory, where the Cheetahs won the final against the Blue Bulls, signaling the viability of structured domestic competitions in the nascent professional landscape.[27]Entry into professional rugby
The transition to professional rugby in South Africa in 1996 brought significant changes to the Free State Rugby Union, which introduced player contracts to compete in the emerging professional landscape, aligning with the launch of the Super 12 competition. This shift allowed the union to professionalize its operations, moving away from the amateur provincial era and focusing on talent development and structured training programs. The team's participation in national competitions like the Currie Cup continued, but with an emphasis on building a sustainable professional model amid the broader SANZAR expansion.[28] A key early success came in the Vodacom Cup, South Africa's premier domestic professional tournament launched in 1998. The Free State Cheetahs claimed their first title in 2000, defeating Griquas 44-24 in the final at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein, showcasing their attacking flair and marking a breakthrough in the professional domestic scene. This victory highlighted the team's adaptation to the faster, more physical demands of professional play, with standout performances from players like fly-half Noel Oelschig. The win provided crucial financial and morale boosts, helping to solidify the franchise's position in the competitive provincial hierarchy.[29][30] In the early 2000s, the Cheetahs focused on developing a dedicated franchise structure to prepare for entry into the expanded Super 14 competition starting in 2006, one of two new South African franchises alongside the Western Force. This involved centralizing resources from the Free State union, enhancing scouting networks, and investing in youth academies to build depth for international-level play. The preparations emphasized long-term sustainability, including upgrades to training facilities at the Toyota Free State Stadium complex to support high-performance demands. These efforts positioned the Cheetahs as a viable professional entity, distinct from larger unions.[31] The period culminated in a dominant Currie Cup run from 2005 to 2007, achieving a three-peat that underscored the success of their professional adaptation. In 2005, the Cheetahs staged a comeback to defeat the Blue Bulls 29-25 in the final at Loftus Versfeld, securing their first outright title since 1976. The 2006 final against the Bulls ended in a 28-28 draw at Vodacom Park, resulting in a shared championship—the first such outcome since 1989. They completed the streak in 2007 with a narrow 20-18 victory over the Golden Lions in Bloemfontein, driven by a late penalty from Conrad Barnard. These triumphs, amid ongoing financial pressures from competing with resource-rich Gauteng-based unions like the Lions, demonstrated resilience and elevated the franchise's profile.[32][33][10]Super Rugby and international phases
The Free State Cheetahs entered Super Rugby in 2006 as one of two new franchises expanding the competition, marking their debut in the professional southern hemisphere tournament alongside Australia's Western Force.[7] Under captain Juan Smith, a key loose forward who led the side in its inaugural season and earned 70 Springbok caps, the team established itself as a competitive outfit in the South African conference, contributing to the growth of professional rugby in the Free State province.[34] Their participation from 2006 to 2017 highlighted the challenges of competing against more established franchises, with consistent mid-table finishes that developed local talent while exposing the team to high-level international play. Following their axing from Super Rugby amid a 2017 restructuring that reduced South African teams from five to four, the Cheetahs joined the Pro14 competition later that year, becoming the first South African side to play in the northern hemisphere league.[31] Relocation threats to Europe surfaced during negotiations, as South African Rugby explored options to sustain the franchise amid financial pressures, but the team remained based in Bloemfontein.[35] In their three seasons (2017-2020), they showed promise by securing conference playoff spots, including a strong showing in Conference A during 2017-18, but never advanced to the final, finishing as high as sixth in 2019 with eight wins from 21 matches.[36] The stint fostered cross-hemisphere rivalries and player development, though it ended abruptly in 2020 due to crippling financial difficulties, including a failed takeover bid that prompted South African Rugby to assume control and withdraw the team from the league.[37] Post-2020, the Cheetahs refocused on domestic competitions like the Currie Cup while seeking international outlets, leading to their invitation to the EPCR Challenge Cup starting in the 2022-23 season as part of efforts to integrate non-European invitational teams.[38] In 2022-23, they competed in Pool B, securing two wins from four pool matches but failing to advance to the knockouts. The 2023-24 campaign saw another two victories from four pool games, advancing to the round of 16 before losing 40-13 to Gloucester; they exited at that stage, though their performances were noted for enhancing the competition's global appeal. By 2024, the franchise had stabilized enough for continued participation, playing home games in unconventional venues like Amsterdam due to logistical needs.[39] The team's international phases significantly influenced South African rugby's restructuring, particularly through a 2019 player contracting model overhaul that aligned provincial and national resources, facilitating greater player mobility and exports to European clubs.[40] Dozens of Cheetahs players, including Springboks, transitioned to leagues like the Top 14 and Premiership during and after the Pro14 era, bolstering South Africa's talent pipeline while highlighting the financial vulnerabilities of smaller unions in global competitions.[41] This period underscored the push toward a unified United Rugby Championship model in 2021, from which the Cheetahs were excluded due to ongoing fiscal challenges, redirecting their energies toward sustainable domestic and selective European engagement.[42]Achievements
Currie Cup titles and finals
The Free State Cheetahs, formerly known as the Orange Free State, have secured seven Currie Cup titles, establishing themselves as one of South Africa's most successful provincial teams in the competition's modern era. Their victories span from 1976 to 2023, with a notable three-peat from 2005 to 2007, highlighting a period of dominance driven by strong home performances at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. These triumphs have not only boosted regional pride in the Free State but also served as a vital pipeline for emerging talent to the Springboks national team, with several champions earning international caps shortly after their successes.[43] The team's Currie Cup finals record includes 16 appearances, with a win rate of approximately 44% in decisive matches. Key victories often featured resilient defenses and opportunistic attacks, particularly in high-stakes encounters against traditional powerhouses like the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions. The 2006 shared title, resulting from a 28–28 draw due to a points tie in the league phase, underscored the competition's evolving format, which shifted from round-robin declarations in the 1970s to playoff systems introduced in the 1980s, allowing underdogs like the Cheetahs to challenge favorites more effectively. This structural change has contributed to the team's consistency, enabling them to reach finals in diverse eras despite fluctuating resources compared to larger unions.[43][44]| Year | Result | Opponent | Score | Venue | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Win | Western Province | 33–16 | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | The Orange Free State claimed their maiden title in an upset against the favored Western Province, with tries from Gerrie Germishuys and Dawie Snyman setting the tone early; a dominant forward pack overwhelmed the visitors, securing the win before a capacity crowd and marking a turning point for provincial rugby in the region.[43][45] |
| 2005 | Win | Blue Bulls | 29–25 | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | In a tense away final, the Cheetahs edged the Bulls through a late penalty by fullback Conrad Barnard; standout performances from flyhalf Meyer Bosman and hooker Adriaan Strauss in the set pieces turned the momentum after trailing 19–13 at halftime.[43][46] |
| 2006 | Shared (Draw) | Blue Bulls | 28–28 | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | Heavy rain led to a slippery pitch where both teams scored four tries each; the draw, combined with league points, awarded a shared title, with Cheetahs' wing Jongile Mandla's late score ensuring parity and preventing a Bulls victory.[43][46] |
| 2007 | Win | Golden Lions | 20–18 | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | A nail-biting finish saw the Cheetahs hold off a late Lions surge, with flyhalf Naas Olivier's two penalties proving decisive; the forward battle, led by lock Rory Duncan, restricted the Lions to just two tries despite their attacking flair.[43][47] |
| 2016 | Win | Blue Bulls | 36–16 | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | The unbeaten Cheetahs dominated with a bonus-point victory, featuring tries from wing Raymond Rhule and fullback Clayton Blommetjies; their high-tempo game plan exploited Bulls errors, capping a perfect season.[43][48] |
| 2019 | Win | Golden Lions | 31–28 | Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein | Trailing 21–10 early, the Cheetahs mounted a comeback with tries from hooker Joseph Dweba and wing Anthony Volmink; flyhalf Ruan Pienaar's conversions and a crucial late penalty sealed the dramatic win.[43][49] |
| 2023 | Win | Pumas | 25–17 | Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein | In front of 33,804 fans, tries from prop Schalk van der Merwe and flanker Phete Oom helped the Cheetahs control the second half; a strong defensive stand repelled Pumas' pressure, with flyhalf Pienaar adding key penalties to secure the title.[43][9] |
Vodacom Cup and other domestic honours
The Vodacom Cup, introduced in 1998 as a secondary domestic competition to the Currie Cup, served primarily as a development platform for emerging talent and reserve players across South African provincial unions, featuring shorter formats and a focus on building depth for higher-tier rugby. The Free State Cheetahs participated regularly in this tournament, using it to expose younger squad members to competitive play while maintaining their provincial identity. Their involvement highlighted the competition's role in nurturing players who would later contribute to Currie Cup and Super Rugby successes. The Cheetahs achieved their first Vodacom Cup title in 2000, defeating Griquas 44-24 in the final at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, marking a significant milestone in their domestic campaign that year.[29] They reached the final again in 2008, but fell short against the Blue Bulls by a score of 25-21 at Loftus Versfeld, with the loss underscoring the tight competition among top provinces despite a strong showing from their development squad.[50] These appearances demonstrated the Cheetahs' consistent competitiveness in the tournament, which evolved over time into the SuperSport Rugby Challenge before being discontinued in 2021. Prior to the Vodacom Cup, the Cheetahs secured victory in the inaugural Bankfin Nite Series in 1996, a short-format innovation designed to boost midweek rugby engagement and player fitness during the off-season.[51] They clinched the title by beating Border 46-34 in the final, showcasing an attacking style that aligned with the series' emphasis on high-tempo, evening matches.[52] This win provided early exposure for key talents and helped establish the team's reputation for innovative play in experimental domestic formats. Among other domestic honours, the Cheetahs won the Lion Cup in 1983, a national club and provincial knockout competition that rewarded consistent performance across South African rugby structures.[27] These achievements in secondary competitions played a crucial role in the Cheetahs' youth development pipeline, allowing reserve players to gain match experience and transition effectively to senior levels, thereby strengthening the overall provincial program without overlapping with flagship events like the Currie Cup.Records in Super Rugby and Pro14
The Free State Cheetahs competed in Super Rugby from 2006 to 2017, accumulating 54 wins across 179 matches for a 30% win rate, placing them among the lower-performing South African franchises relative to teams like the Stormers (142 wins) and Sharks (131 wins).) Their participation marked a period of gradual improvement, with notable milestones including their first-ever victory in the competition—a narrow 27-26 win over the Sharks in 2006—which ended an initial winless streak and boosted team morale early in their franchise history. The Cheetahs reached the playoffs three times during this era: in 2011, where they advanced to the semifinals before a 20-17 loss to the Crusaders; in 2013, suffering a 15-13 quarterfinal defeat to the Brumbies; and in 2016, exiting in the quarterfinals with a 30-18 loss to the Lions. Offensively, the Cheetahs set enduring benchmarks for high-scoring performances, including a Super Rugby record-tying 14 tries and 92 points in a single match—a 92-17 rout of the Sunwolves in 2016—which remains the joint-highest try tally and points haul by any team in the competition's history.[53] This explosive style contrasted with defensive vulnerabilities, as evidenced by their all-time points conceded totaling over 6,000 across Super Rugby campaigns, often highlighted in heavy defeats like the 57-14 loss to the Crusaders in 2015. Head-to-head against New Zealand powerhouses like the Crusaders, the Cheetahs struggled, winning just once in six encounters (a 27-25 victory in 2007) while conceding an average of 41 points per loss.[54] Transitioning to the Pro14 in 2017 after SARU's decision to consolidate Super Rugby franchises, the Cheetahs adapted quickly, finishing third in Conference A during their debut 2017-18 season with 12 wins and 9 losses from 21 matches, amassing 63 log points—their highest seasonal total in the competition. This performance included standout home victories, such as a 54-39 thriller over Zebre that marked their first Pro14 win. However, European travel posed significant logistical hurdles, with long-haul flights to venues in Scotland, Ireland, and Italy contributing to fatigue and a 2-5 away record against northern hemisphere sides in 2017-18, as noted in analyses of South African teams' adaptation challenges.[55] Overall, the Cheetahs' Pro14 tenure (2017-2020) yielded 26 wins from 55 matches, positioning them as competitive newcomers but underscoring the physical toll of transcontinental scheduling compared to their more localized Super Rugby era.| Season | Competition | Standings | Wins-Losses-Draws | Log Points | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Super Rugby | 10th | 5-8-0 | 27 | First win (vs Sharks, 27-26) |
| 2013 | Super Rugby | 6th | 10-6-0 | 54 | Quarterfinal appearance |
| 2016 | Super Rugby | 14th | 4-11-0 | 21 | Record 14 tries vs Sunwolves |
| 2017-18 | Pro14 | 3rd (Conf. A) | 12-9-0 | 63 | Highest points total; debut season |
Current status
2025 season performance
In the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division, the Free State Cheetahs finished third in the league stage after seven matches, securing 23 points from four wins, three losses, a points difference of +6, and seven bonus points earned through tries and losing margins.[56] Key victories included a 42–25 home win over the Pumas on 1 August, highlighted by flyhalf Jandre Nel's four tries, and a narrow 7–5 away triumph against the Sharks on 9 August, which propelled them into playoff contention.[57] Despite setbacks such as a 40–10 home defeat to Griquas on 29 August and a 35–31 loss to the Blue Bulls on 6 September—where a late surge secured their semi-final qualification—the Cheetahs demonstrated resilience in tight contests.[58] Their semi-final appearance ended in a 25–5 loss to Griquas on 13 September in Kimberley, where defensive lapses and limited attacking opportunities curtailed their progress.[59] The team's participation in the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup marked their return to European competition, drawn into Pool 3 alongside Cardiff Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Racing 92, Stade Français Paris, and Ulster Rugby. As of November 2025, the pool stage had not yet commenced, with fixtures scheduled to begin on 5–7 December, including home and away matches against these opponents.[60] Preparatory efforts included a 24–5 warm-up victory over Black Lion on 26 October in the Challenge Series, showcasing strong second-half dominance, and an upcoming friendly against the Sharks on 18 November to build match fitness.[61] Progression to the round of 16 remains contingent on accumulating sufficient points from the four pool games, with the Cheetahs positioned as underdogs against established European sides.[62] Throughout the season, the Cheetahs grappled with injury challenges that disrupted squad depth, including hamstring issues for prop Carl Wegner and back Munier Hartzenberg, as well as a knee injury to lock Johan Kelly Okonkwo, sidelining key forwards ahead of critical fixtures like the Western Province match in August.[63] These absences, compounded by a potential major blow to an unnamed starter before the Province clash, forced rotations and tested bench resilience, though the team mitigated impacts through timely returns like flyhalf Franco Smith Jr. from injury.[64] International duties had limited effect, as few Cheetahs players were called up for Springbok alignments during the Rugby Championship window, allowing greater focus on domestic commitments compared to franchises with heavier national representation.[65] The semi-final exit underscored ongoing challenges for franchise sustainability amid financial constraints in South African rugby, prompting discussions on player retention as contracts near renewal in late 2025.[44] A strong Currie Cup showing bolstered morale and visibility for potential European funding, while EPCR involvement offers pathways to high-profile exposure that could secure sponsorships and talent development amid competition from URC-aligned teams.[66]Coaching staff and management
The Toyota Free State Cheetahs' coaching staff is led by head coach Frans Steyn, who assumed the role in early 2025 after serving as director of rugby. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner with 67 Springbok caps, Steyn's tenure marks his coaching debut, emphasizing a "people first, then points" philosophy influenced by mentors like Rassie Erasmus, while promoting an expansive, running style of "Free State rugby" to rebuild the team's competitiveness.[67][68][69] Key assistant coaches include Ruan Pienaar as backline coach, a former Springbok with 88 caps who is also debuting in coaching and focuses on attacking structures, and Tiaan Liebenberg as forwards coach, tasked with enhancing set-piece and defensive cohesion. The support staff comprises strength and conditioning coach Michael Shaw, responsible for player fitness and injury prevention programs; team doctor Tarryn Thomas; head physiotherapist JP Du Toit; and additional physiotherapist Erick Colyn, who oversee medical and rehabilitation efforts.[70][71] Management is headed by CEO Rory Duncan, appointed on February 3, 2025, following Ross van Reenen's departure in November 2024; Duncan oversees operations with a focus on sustainability and youth pathways in collaboration with the Free State Rugby Union, which holds 100% ownership of the Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. The executive team includes COO MJ Smith, general manager Justine Smith, and directors Corne Els, Ronel Pienaar, Moyise Bacela, and Piet de Necker. The board of directors, chaired by Ryno Opperman with Justine Smith as secretary, comprises Jerry Segwaba, Coenraad Klopper (also Union Council president), Charlie May, Marius van Rensburg, and Lou Niewoudt, ensuring alignment with South African Rugby Union governance.[12][72] Recent changes since 2023 include the 2025 coaching overhaul appointing Steyn, Pienaar, and initial forwards coach Izak van der Westhuizen (later succeeded by Liebenberg), alongside Duncan's CEO role, all aimed at bolstering youth development through integrated academy programs and professional mentorship to foster long-term talent pipelines.[71][73]Players
Current squad composition
The 2025 squad of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs features a balanced roster of 33 players, emphasizing depth in the forwards while maintaining versatility in the backs, with an average age of 29 years across the group.[74] Predominantly composed of South African talent, the team includes two Namibian imports, reflecting a focus on local development supplemented by regional expertise.[74]Forwards
The forward pack is led by experienced props and locks, providing solidity in set pieces, with loose forwards offering mobility and breakdown prowess. Contract statuses indicate a core group committed through 2025 and beyond, supporting squad stability.[74]| Position | Player Name | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prop | Aranos Coetzee | Namibia | 37 |
| Prop | Hencus van Wyk | South Africa | 33 |
| Prop | Laurence Victor | South Africa | 23 |
| Prop | Robert Hunt | South Africa | 29 |
| Prop | Schalk Ferreira | South Africa | 41 |
| Hooker | Corné Fourie | South Africa | 37 |
| Hooker | Louis van der Westhuizen | Namibia | 30 |
| Hooker | Vernon Paulo | South Africa | 24 |
| Lock | Carl Wegner | South Africa | 34 |
| Lock | Pierre-Raymond Uys | South Africa | 25 |
| Lock | Pieter Jansen van Vuren | South Africa | 34 |
| Loose Forward | Andisa Ntsila | South Africa | 32 |
| Loose Forward | Daniel Maartens | South Africa | 30 |
| Loose Forward | Gideon van der Merwe | South Africa | 30 |
| Loose Forward | Jeandré Rudolph | South Africa | 31 |
| Loose Forward | Neels Volschenk | South Africa | 22 |
| Loose Forward | Oupa Mohojé | South Africa | 35 |
| Loose Forward | Sisonke Vumazonke | South Africa | 23 |
| Loose Forward | Victor Sekekete | South Africa | 31 |
Backs
The backline prioritizes speed and playmaking, with scrumhalves and flyhalves directing attacks, supported by robust centres and dynamic outside backs. Younger players in the backs contribute to development pathways, with several on professional contracts extending to 2027.[74]| Position | Player Name | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrumhalf | Chris van der Westhuizen | South Africa | 20 |
| Scrumhalf | Jandré Nel | South Africa | 24 |
| Scrumhalf | Rewan Kruger | South Africa | 27 |
| Flyhalf | Ethan Wentzel | South Africa | 25 |
| Flyhalf | George Lourens | South Africa | 28 |
| Centre | Ali Mgijima | South Africa | 30 |
| Centre | CJ Coetzee | South Africa | 30 |
| Centre | Franco (JR) Smith | South Africa | 25 |
| Wing | Munier Hartzenberg | South Africa | 28 |
| Wing | Prince Nkabinde | South Africa | 25 |
| Fullback | Andell Loubser | South Africa | 28 |
| Fullback | Cohen Jasper | South Africa | 25 |
| Fullback | Litha Nkula | South Africa | 27 |
| Fullback | Michael Annies | South Africa | 22 |