The hooker Joseph Dweba, the centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg and fullback Malcolm Jaer will all not be boarding the flight for the tour which will feature games against Connacht, Scarlets and Leinster.

This has led to the inclusion of most notably Tapiwa Mafura and Dries Swanepoel, and see the return of Jacques du Toit.

Henco Venter, who recently returned to South Africa following a stint in Japan has also been included for the tour. Seeing that he only linked up with the Cheetahs again ago, his inclusion can be due to Aiden Davis breaking his leg during training on Tuesday afternoon.

The coach, Franco Smith, confirmed that Davis underwent surgery on Wednesday morning and that the procedure was successful.

“Unfortunately Aidon suffered a very bad break to his leg during training yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), and he was operated this morning.

“The incomplete and all went well.”

Smith further added that the injured players have all had a heavy workload during the season, and with when it comes to player welfare and management, their time away from the game can be seen as a blessing in disguise.

This presents an opportunity for other players who haven’t had as much game time this season.

“There are guys like Henco Venter, who has returned. The other one is a player like Tapiwa Mafura.

“It means that Jacques du Toit and Marnus van der Merwe will be playing a role in the team.

“There is some excitement in the squad and there are some fresh faces. We’ve been working really hard to get them to a level where they are as good, if not better than the other players in the team.

“We ask of them to bring a new energy and a new level of creativity to the team.”

The season captain, Oupa Mohoje, is set to start with his field training within the next two weeks, however, Smith indicated that they Springbok will not be rushed back into action, even if his recovery is ahead of schedule.

The Cheetahs depart Wednesday morning and will face Connacht on Saturday in Galway, with kick-off at 19:30.

Toyota Cheetahs touring squad - Aranos Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, JP du Preez, Jacques du Toit, Louis Fouché, Nico Lee, Sintu Manjezi, Tapiwa Mafura,  Charles Marais, Rabz Maxwane, Tian Meyer, Ox Nche, Abongile Nonkontwana, Gerhard Olivier, Rudi Paige, Junior Pokomela, Tian Schoeman, William Small-Smith, Walt Steenkamp, Dries Swanepoel, Marnus van der Merwe,  Henco Venter, Reinach Venter, Shaun Venter, Jasper Wiese.

The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury - Oupa Mohoje (knee), Jamba Ulenga (neck), Joseph Dweba (hamstring), Malcolm Jaer (knee), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (concussion), Aidon Davis (broken leg).

@MorganPiek OFM Sport