Drosté has been training with Cheetahs for a few months already, but he has now confirmed his return to the franchise after signing a one-year contract.

Last year Drosté had a short stint at the Cheetahs before heading to Japan for the second time in his career after previously having played for the NEC Green Rockets.

The signing of Drosté is a massive boost for the Cheetahs second-row as they have struggled with depth in the department over the past couple of years.

The 28-year-old Drosté told OFM Sport that he welcomes the strong competition in the second-row.

“The time in Japan was really great for the family, but it's really great to back in Bloem,” said the second-rower.

“I'm familiar with the place and players as I previously spent six months here.

Vic (Sekekete) has grown into a great player and he is obviously the captain now. I'm really looking forward to joining the boys again on the field.

“Obviously, with Rynier (Bernardo), Vic and myself taking the five position and with the experience that we have, I think we can't build a nice lineout for the team.

“That is our department we must build a nice setup for ourselves.

“For now I'm back on a contract of one year, but I would like to it to become a more permanent one.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs tackle the Bulls at 16:15 on Friday at the Toyota Stadium in the Toyota Challenge.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport