It was the first time since March that the players have taken contact, but it will be implemented gradually, and later in the week, the Cheetahs could be playing a series of short training games against each other.

After months of little more than skills drills and fitness, the Cheetahs took a week off of training to save themselves for the latter part of the season. 

The newly returned Cheetahs lock, Carl Wegner, told OFM Sport that all the players enjoyed being able to work off some of the frustration.

“Everyone was excited when we got back out on the field this afternoon to make a bit of contact again.

“You could really see some of the hunger in some of the guys who were just wanting to make a statement and get rid of some of the frustration. It's frustration that has been building over the last few months because we weren’t able to do what we love.

“Getting back out there was a bit of a positive for all of us.

“All of us enjoy Saturday the most, so making contact was a step in the right direction for us.

“We are looking forward to the fixtures that SA Rugby will be putting out for us, and being able to get out on a Saturday again and enjoy ourselves.”

If all goes according to plan, the Currie Cup could start early in October.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport