The player who made his World Cup debut on his 21st birthday in 2019, will be joining the English club, Saracens.

While Sarries are competing in the second tier of English rugby, it remains one of the most influential clubs in Europe.

De Haas told OFM Sport that he is thankful for his time in Bloemfontein.

“I will be joining Saracens in July on a two-year contract.

“I am very excited to join them. It’s a club that is very successful and wonderful. It’s just a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to take my rugby to the next level.

I am also so thankful for what the Cheetahs organisation has done for me. I enjoyed my time in Bloemfontein so much and it will be sad for me to say goodbye to the Cheetahs, but I am also very excited for my next step.”

De Haas is one of very few third-generation Cheetahs players after his dad, Pieter, and grandfather, Gerard, also played for the Free State back in the day.

He will, however, still be available to play for the Cheetahs in the upcoming Franchise Cup, but will most likely be third in line behind Ruan Pienaar and Tian Meyer.

Meanwhile, the former Junior Springboks and Glasgow Warriors flyhalf, Brandon Thomson, has signed a contract with the Cheetahs.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport