The Cheetahs are enjoying a well-deserved break from training and the playing field following two months of non-stop rugby during the worlds’ oldest domestic competition.

The new players in the Cheetahs set up and players who didn’t play a lot in the Currie Cup will start with their training for the Guinness PRO14 on Monday.

The rest of the squad who were regulars during their recent campaign will report for duty again next week Thursday or Friday according to the coach, Franco Smith.

One of these players is Craig Barry who makes a return are previously representing the Cheetahs on a loan deal.

Other players who have signed long-term contracts with the team are Rhyno Smith (Sharks), Chris Massyn (Western Province), as well as Chris Smit and Wilmar Arnoldi (both Griquas). A handful of Griquas are expected to report on a loan-deal and these include Sias Koen, George Whitehead, Khwezi Mona and Anthony Volmink.

Barry told OFM Sport that he is looking forward to his return and that the foundation has been laid for the PRO14.

“For me personally it is a good opportunity to get some game time and play with the Cheetahs who have done really well in the Currie Cup.

“They have laid a good foundation building up to the Pro rugby. We definitely want to start well in the competition, but it becomes really dangerous if you look too far ahead.

“We will most probably take a look at the first two games and target a good start in order to provide ourselves an opportunity to go really deep into this competition.

“I’m really chuffed about how the Cheetahs did in the Currie Cup. Winning it really good for the union and all the loyal supporters.

“It is definitely a really good building block for us.”

The Cheetahs open their campaign on 27 September against the Glasgow Warriors in Bloemfontein. Over the following two weeks, the Cheetahs will also be in action at home against Ulster and Munster.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport