The Toyota Cheetahs centre, Evardi Boshoff, is back in Bloemfontein for a short while from Wales where he is currently playing for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship.

Boshoff, is set to remain at the Swansea-based team for the remainder of the season, however, he is not eligible to play in their ECPR Challenge Cup games.

Boshoff was one of three Cheetahs to head to Wales on a loan agreement with the Ospreys, with the other being the captain Victor Sekekete and the loose forward, Jeandré Rudolph. The latter are both en route to France for the weekend’s match against Clermont.

Boshoff told OFM Sport that it’s good to be back in Bloemfontein for a short while.

“It's amazing and I'm really happy to be back and to see some sun and familiar faces,” said Boshoff.

“But, I've really enjoyed it over there I must say. The Welsh community has really looked after us nicely and even the Ospreys sorted us out with a nice home etc. So I've really enjoyed the experience so far, learning more about other cultures and stuff like that.

Evardi Boshoff and the Welsh great Justin Tipuric. Tipuric has played in over 200 games for the Ospreys and close 100 Tests for Wales - Instagram

Boshoff added that he was hoping to get just one game on the field in the URC, and as it worked out he has played in all four matches to date.

“It's actually crazy. The day we arrived I didn't know if I would get to play, but then we started training and then I ended playing in all four of their last games. I played three full games and 68 minutes in the other, so there has been a lot of minutes under the belt now at URC level, so I've enjoyed it.

“I got there hoping to get one game, but then managed to start everything. It was a bit of luck because a player there did get injured. So things worked for me, although I do feel bad for the injured player.”

The former UCT Ikeys midfielder said while he is enjoying his time over there it’s certainly good to see his wife again and enjoy a good ol’ braai.

“My wife - missed my wife the most, as well as the sun and some good 'braaivleis',” Boshoff chuckled.

“We had a braai once in Wales. Jeandré and I made sure we had a braai there.

“But, I must say I definitely missed my wife and the meat the most. I already had a braai when I arrived back on Monday.”

Contractually Boshoff is not available to play for the Cheetahs in this week's EPCR Challenge Cup game against the Clermont, or the SA Cup match against the Pumas in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport