The player, who is equally comfortable at both flyhalf and inside centre, will be side-lined for up to four months.

The player went for a knee cleaning surgery and it was discovered that there is extensive damage to the ligament.

Further surgery was required to repair the damage and the player will be starting with his rehabilitation on Monday in Bloemfontein.

The news was confirmed to OFM Sport by both the Namibian international hooker, Torsten van Jaarsveld, as well as the teams’ assistant coach, Corniel van Zyl.

The news comes as a major blow to both the Griquas and the Cheetahs. It is believed that Swart will be signing for the Cheetahs at the conclusion of the Currie Cup.

Van Zyl told OFM Sport that seeing that the two flyhalves Fred Zeilinga (hip) and Niel Marais (dislocated shoulder) are both out of commission at the moment, Swarts’ setback is a blow to the side seeing that he would be the perfect player to fill the void in the pivot role.

Swart could be back in action in January and should he be playing for the Cheetahs, he will be a welcome addition to their Guinness Pro14 squad.

The Free State Cheetahs and the Griquas lock horns on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium in their Currie Cup derby.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport