Rugby
Cheetahs happy to welcome American international De Haas back─── MORGAN PIEK 08:16 Thu, 20 Apr 2023
The Toyota Cheetahs believed that the American international scrumhalf Ruben de Haas will be of a lot of value when he rejoins the team later in the year.
De Haas started his career in Bloemfontein where he represented the CUT Ixias as well as the Free State.
De Haas, whose dad Pieter and grandfather Gerard also played for the Free State, has been playing rugby in England for the past two years at Saracens.
The Cheetahs' coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the 24-year-old halfback will be of value.
“I think that he has learned a lot over there," said Fourie.
“He was on the bench for many of the games, so he didn't get a lot of game time and that's one of the reasons why he wanted to move.
“He's a quality player with a good all-round skillset and can do anything.
“I feel he will be good competition for Rewan Kruger. The two of them will push each other hard to fill Piney's (Ruan Pienaar) boots for whenever he leaves us.”
Earlier reports indicated that Pienaar will be calling it a day at the end of October, however, this has not been confirmed and according to the Cheetahs, this is not necessarily the case.
The return of De Haas will get the Cheetahs an almost United Nations feel with the team boasting three Springboks, two Namibian internationals, a Zimbabwean international and an American international.
De Haas has represented the USA Eagles in close to 30 Tests.
