Bernardo is the third lock from the Cheetahs that will be plying his trade in the Land of the Rising Sun after Carl Wegner and Reniel Hugo already confirmed their departure to join Toyota Verblitz.

The 1.99m tall, 116kg second-rower joined the Cheetahs in 2017 after spending three years in Wales where he played in 35 matches for the Ospreys and 13 games for the current Guinness Pro14 champions, Scarlets.

During his time at the Cheetahs, the 26-year-old played in twenty Pro14 games for the Cheetahs, as well as in seven Currie Cup games for the Free State Cheetahs.

The majority of his games was off the bench, however, he did start on Saturday evening during the Cheetahs 43-8 loss to the Scarlets in Llanelli, in the Pro14 quarter-finals. There has been the odd occasion where he did pack down on the side of the scrum at flank.

The departure of Bernardo does put further pressure on the second-row department at the Cheetahs. However, team did receive some good news, with the confirmation of Walt Steenkamp, joining the Cheetahs in November.

Steenkamp, was outstanding for the North West University Pukke in the 2018 Varsity Cup this season and was named as the tournament’s Player that Rocks for his efforts. After considerable effort, the Cheetahs managed to win the signature of the player who was on his way to play in Europe.

Furthermore, the 2,09m tall JP du Preez has been excelling for the Toyota Free State XV in the current Super Sport Rugby Challenge. The player has only made two appearances for the team since joining from the Lions, and on both occasions has impressed.

Further good news is that Justin Basson has recovered from his injury and was rock solid for the Free State XV on Friday evening during his return.

It hardly comes as a surprise that Bernardo will be joining Eagles after the former Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, expressed his interest in acquiring the services of a number five lock, 

It is uncertain whether or not Bernardo will be returning to Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs who have already confirmed their departure to Japan are Hugo, Wegner and Clinton Swart to Toyota Verblitz. Fred Zeilinga is heading the Canon Eagles, Niel Marias is going to Yamaha Jubilo, and Henco Venter will join Toshiba Brave Lupus.

At this stage only Swart and Venter will be returning to the Cheetahs.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport