Thomas, who shares a name with the legendary West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose, stands at over two metres tall and joins the Cheetahs after spending three seasons in Welkom. During his time there, he won the Currie Cup First Division twice — most recently this past Saturday when they beat the Valke in extra-time of the final at the Barnard Stadium in Welkom.

Before joining the Griffons, Thomas represented the University of the Western Cape in the Varsity Cup.

Curtly Thomas. Photo: Morgan Piek

His signing comes at a crucial time, following a serious groin injury to Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who went down during the second half against Boland in Wellington when a maul collapsed on him, leaving him in an awkward position on the ground. He is expected to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

To add to their woes, experienced lock Carl Wegner is still undergoing rehabilitation for a hamstring injury he picked up late in the SA Cup. With lock options running thin, Pierre Uys is expected to slot into the second row against the Pumas. While Uys is more comfortable at flank, he featured at lock during his time with the University of the Free State Shimlas and he does have experience in the engine room as well.

It is, however, unlikely that Thomas will play as soon as Friday, as it will take some time to get used to the new systems, etc. 

The towering Thomas told OFM Sport that he will always be grateful for his time with the Purple People Eaters, but added that his prayers have been answered with the move to the Cheetahs, and he’s excited for this next chapter.

“I’m excited to join the Cheetahs — I’m really looking forward to being on the field. This is just answered prayers and God giving me my heart’s desires,” said Thomas.

“I’m so grateful for my time at the Griffons and for all the opportunities I had there. I arrived three years ago, we won the First Division, earned promotion to the Premier Division, and now I’ve ended my time there with another First Division title.

Pieter Jansen van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’ve learned a lot and I’m looking forward to taking my game to the next level — to grow, to compete at a higher level with the Cheetahs, and to play in the Currie Cup Premier Division and the EPCR Challenge Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to it and just excited to get out there and play for the Free State Cheetahs.”

Unfortunately for the Griffons, Thomas isn’t the only departure. They’re bidding farewell to at least six players. Among them is dynamic hooker Willem van der Heever, who is set to join the Sharks for the Currie Cup, while powerful centre Christopher Hollis is heading to Russia to further his career.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will face the Pumas at 19:00 on Friday evening at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek