Recently the Cheetahs toured Ireland and Wales where they played matches against Connacht, Leinster and the Dragons in the Guinness PRO14.

Since their return to South Africa the PRO14, as well as the Super Rugby, has been suspended in an attempt to combat the spread of the virus.

With sport in the country on lockdown, the Cheetahs were still training on Monday and Tuesday, however, that has also be ceased.

On Monday the players were all tested for COVID-19 and the good news is that all of their tests came back negative.

The utility backline player, William Small-Smith, confirmed to OFM Sport that they were all tested, and it was good news for the team.

“We are in unfamiliar territory. I don’t think that there hasn't been a medical crisis like this in the last century and we are right in the middle of it.

“Sport especially has been hit really hard with all the major sporting codes across the world coming to a halt.

“Your individual health and safety and that of the population is a lot more important than a rugby game, or a soccer game, or a tennis match.

“It’s just good to be with the family and know that they are safe. We all tested on Monday and all our results came back negative, so that is good news for us.

“There is a bit of uncertainty about the future and what is lying ahead.

“We are all training on our own at the moment in order to stay strong, healthy and alert. You never know if the tournament will resume in two weeks, two months or even next year.

“For now it’s important to have good plans in place, and we have those thanks to our conditioner and coach. It is our job as players to follow what they have set up and followed the advice of SA Rugby and the Minister of Health.

“At the moment it is tough not having any sport to watch of the televised and its tough not being able to train with the guys.

“The COVID-19 is a global pandemic and we must do our part.”

The Cheetahs were scheduled to host the defending champions, Leinster, on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport