Maartens has been at the Pumas for the past two years after spending all of his professional career at the Free State.

The former University of the Free State Shimlas star is one of two Pumas players making a return to Bloemfontein later in the year, with other being the outside back and Zimbabwean international, Tapiwa Mafura.

The live-wire flanker Maartens actually hails from Nelspruit but Bloemfontein is a second home to the player.

He has previously also played for the Cheetahs in the then PRO14.

Both Maartens and Mafura didn’t enjoy regular game-time at the Cheetahs and since their move to the Lowveld their respective games have grown in leaps-and-bound and they have become important members in Jimmy Stonehouse’s’ setup.

Maartens told OFM Sport that it was tough decision to head back to Bloemfontein, but he is ultimately excited, and for now the focus remains with the Pumas.

“I'm very excited to be heading back, but it will also be sad to leave my hometown. My wife just got here and it was a difficult decision.

“For now, I'm still concentrating on Friday's game against the Cheetahs.  It's must-win game, but the Griquas showed us that even with the Cheetahs playing some great rugby and being unbeaten for most of the season, if you put pressure on them, we can force errors and let them make the mistakes.

“My main goal is to help get the Pumas in the semi-finals and I think that will be a great way for me to greet the team.”

Maartens and Mafura will both report for duty at the Cheetahs on 1 November 2022.

On Friday at 18:00 the Cheetahs host the Pumas at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in an important Currie Cup game for both teams.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport