The Toyota Cheetahs have managed to secure the services of their flyhalf, George Lourens, for a further two years.

Lourens has extended his contract with the Currie Cup champions until the end July, 2026.

With Reinhardt Fortuin becoming more of a regular at inside centre and Ruan Pienaar set to retire from rugby at the end of June, Lourens, will become the first-choice starter at flyhalf. He also remains an option for the Cheetahs in the number 12 jersey.

The former Varsity Cup player of the year has been at the Cheetahs for two years, but he is only now starting to make the number ten jersey his own.

Lourens told OFM Sport that there are areas of his game he still wants to sharpen up on.

“I've extended until the end of July 2026, so very happy to get the extension,” said the former Maties and Shimlas pivot.

“I've been happy in Bloemfontein for the past two years.

“I've been lucky to start in the past few games so hopefully I can just keep going with that and like you said make the number ten jersey mine.

“Also with Ruan finishing up soon, I can hopefully fill that goalkicking role and to be just more of a senior part of the team.

“I'm really looking forward to the next two years, and you can only get better if you keep playing. Hopefully I can keep going.”

The Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, in his turn told OFM Sport that Lourens is still a work in progress, but that provides for good competition in the flyhalf position.

“It's good that he is playing well, and obviously there are a couple of work-ons, but he is playing good rugby at the moment,” said the former Cheetahs and Edinburgh lock.

“It does make it tough for the other guys, but they need to make the step-up now. It's good to have competition in a certain position.”

Lourens is set to start at flyhalf in Saturday’s SA Cup game against the Leopards in Potchefstroom.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport