The second row at the Cheetahs has been a bit thin this past season due to the injury to the experienced Rynier Bernardo, while the versatile Aidon Davis will be leaving to join the Exeter Chiefs in England.

The Vereeniging-born Mahlasi, who is studying a BCom in Investment Management and Banking, can play at both lock or as a loose-forward.

The 22-year-old has signed a dual contract with the Cheetahs and the Shimlas which will allow to still play in the Varsity Cup for at least a season.

Earlier in the week it was also confirmed that the Cheetahs contracted the Shimlas flyhalf, George Lourens.

Also read - Cheetahs sign Shimlas pivot Lourens

There were other offers on the table for the mobile player to go fully professional, but told OFM Sport that signing with the Cheetahs best suited him.

“I did go into a splint-deal agreement with the Cheetahs and the Shimlas”, said the inspirational captain that leads from the front.

“I did basically signed a contract with the Cheetahs, but I will be playing another Varsity Cup for the Shimlas. From there onwards I will be joining the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup.

“I wanted to grow and I wanted to be a better player. I weighed my options up and I could have gone to a professional side instead of the Varsity Cup.

“But I personally felt that I wanted to play in the Varsity Cup again. Then I just made the decision to go with the Cheetahs and the split-deal.

“Next year I will still be playing in the Varsity Cup and then I will be looking to further my career in rugby.”

Mahlasi will be in action again Monday night when he leads the Shimlas onto the park against the defending champions, Tuks, in the semi-finals of the Varsity Cup. This game at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein kicks off at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport