The pair who matriculated last year headed to France where the loose forward, Cronjé, was contracted to Clermont, while the 102kg winger, Muller, joined a whole host of his Grey teammates at Montpellier.

Cronjé was a star for the South African Schools team last season and also was the vice-captain of the national side.

Muller in his turn had a phenomenal strike rate for the Grey 1st XV, and more often than not he was among the try-scorers. He was somewhat controversially left out of the 2019 Free State Craven Week team which was played at Grey.

Coach Hawies Fourie told OFM Sport that to him it important to try and keep the best talent in Bloemfontein and he is delighted to have been able to lure both Cronjé and Muller back.

“We are delighted to have George and Marcell back with us at the Cheetahs. It’s important for more me to recruit the best players in Bloemfontein straight from school.

“It is not always easy and possible because all the other unions are also chasing them and giving them big offers. It hasn’t been easy over the past couple of seasons, but we are delighted that they have committed to us. They both have a bright future and we look forward to coaching them and having them in our squad.”

The pair will report for duty as Cheetahs players as from 1 July and they will already fall in and train with the PRO14 squad.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport