The Toyota Cheetahs have been dealt a major blow ahead of their upcoming tour to Australia for the Toyota Challenge games against the Western Force.

The American international scrumhalf will be out of action for a lengthy period after sustaining an ACL injury during Saturday’s 27-12 win against the Force in Bloemfontein.

De Haas sustained the injury during the first half of what was his return game following a two-year spell at Saracens in England. It’s even more cruel to the player as he was playing very well before the injury.

Apart from missing the trip to Australia, De Haas is also set to miss the Cheetahs' entire campaign in the European Challenge Cup.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that the injury was a major blow for the 24-year-old.

“I'm feeling really sorry for Ruben, because he waited so long for this chance,” said Fourie.

“He played really well in that first half against the Force and took control of the kicking game and doing so took a lot of pressure off George Lourens. I felt he made good decisions and gave the runners off him good service.

“It's tough for him to get injured in his first game back for the Cheetahs. An ACL is something that takes quite a while.

“I've spoken to him and he will get the operation done next week and then start with the recovery process.

“Hopefully he will be ready to play in next year's SA Cup, but I doubt that he will be ready to play in the European Challenge Cup. With our players to play Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf we needed some depth at scrumhalf, so it's a pity that he got injured so early.

“Luckily, we've got Rewan Kruger that has been playing well and then we've also got Raegan Oranje. So apart from Ruan we've got two quality scrumhalves.”

The Cheetahs will fly to Perth on 25 September for their double-header against the Australian Super Rugby franchises. The first game on tour will be on 29 September at Rushton Park.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport