Oranje has been at the Griquas for the past three seasons where he was unable to secure a regular starting role in the number nine jersey, however, was also used on the wing occasionally.

He becomes the second scrumhalf signed by the Cheetahs in the recent weeks after it was confirmed that the American international, Ruben de Haas, will leave Saracens and make a return to Bloemfontein. This will boslter the team depth in the position as Ruan Pienaar and Rewan Kruger are already at the union.

The Cheetahs also confirmed the contracting of the former Stormers flyhalf Abner van Reenen and the North West University Eagles hooker, Vernon Paulo.

The former University of Pretoria Tuks star, Oranje, told OFM Sport that he looks forward to the new chapter in his career.

“I'm still just want to try and stay focused on my time at the Griquas,” said the 26-year-old halfback.

“I'm looking forward to the new chapter in my rugby journey. I've been at the Griquas for three years now and I haven't really moved up or down there, I've sort of just been in the space position over here.

“I'm hoping that I can move up a bit higher in the ranks in terms of selection at the Cheetahs and I am actually very excited.

“In my wildest dreams I never thought that I would be playing for the Cheetahs. I guess that's how life works - it surprises you at times and I'm just looking forward to meeting the gents and learning a new brand of rugby.

“Obviously the Cheetahs and the Griquas play two different brands and I'm just very keen on learning the culture around Cheetahs rugby in the months to come.”

Oranje and Van Reenen will report for duty at the Cheetahs on 1 July, while Paulo will link up with his new team on 1 November.

On Friday at 19:05 the Sharks will host the Cheetahs at Kings Park in the Currie Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport