It has been suggested by even Steyn himself that he has come to Bloemfontein to finish off his career, however, he still has ambitions of playing for the Springboks.

Coach Hawies Fourie has already stated that while Steyn can play anywhere in the backline, he will be used at flyhalf or inside centre.

The 32-year-old is in all likelihood play alongside William Small-Smith in the backline. The former Junior Springbok, Small-Smith, told OFM Sport that he recalls seeing Steyn play for the first time, and that also influenced his decision to attend Grey College.

“Frans is a world-class player and just his versatility as a backline player will strengthen our ranks immensely in multiple positions.

“I still remember watching him play for the first time. I was still in grade seven and attended school in Johannesburg in 2005. My dad said must go watch Grey play against Affies in Bloemfontein and we drove through in the morning.

“That was still when I was deciding where I was going to attend high school. It was a monster of a game that Affies won 27-20.

“That was the first time I saw this beast of a guy playing for Grey, and two years later he was a Springbok. That is my first memory of Frans.”

The versatile Small-Smith added that he is sure that Steyn will have the same positive influence as Ruan Pienaar on the team.

“As a team, we have really benefited from playing, training and learning from a guy like Ruan. If we can have the same mentality and soak up as much as we can from Frans he will be calmness and a monster boot to the backline.

“He is also a big bloke, so if he plays 10, 12 or 15 I am sure that he will carry the ball hard.

“We are just excited to learn from him and also excited to see how he can contribute to the Free State, just as Ruan has.”

Steyn will report for duty at the Cheetahs for the first time on 1 July.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport