Schoeman is part of the handful of reinforcements that started training with the team on Tuesday ahead of their Currie Cup games against the Bulls and the Pumas as well as the European Challenge Cup match against Toulon in France.

The former SA Schools captain and Junior Springbok hooker, Jacques Goosen, is also a part of the cavalry.

At this stage, Schoeman is set to play two matches for the Cheetahs and this will most likely start when they host the Pumas in Bloemfontein next week Friday.

Schoeman was one of the most devastating tacklers to don Free State colours and before he left to join the Bulls, he averaged about 18 tackles a game.

The live-wire flanker looked sharp in training and it was clearly visible that he wants to play rugby.

The Cheetahs' assistant coach, Charl Strydom, told OFM Sport to have Schoeman in the camp is a big boost, as the player could eye making a comeback to the sport.

“I think that is the reason why he is back. He hasn't quit the game, but he hasn't played for a year. He is back on the farm and he is crafting.

“It's good to have him back – before he left, he was one of the top dominant tacklers that we had in the PRO14.

“He went to the Bulls for a year and he was off to Japan for three years where the game is pretty quick. He is a guy that is naturally fit and he looks pretty good in training so far. It doesn't look like he has lost anything as a player, so, it's good to have him back.”

Schoeman farms full-time in the Eastern Cape but it is said that the player could become a more permanent squad member going forward, however, nothing is set in stone yet.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport