The Cheetahs have contracted former Scotland international and Edinburgh backline marshal, Jaco van der Walt, who will be linking up with the team in the coming days. The 31-year-old Potchefstroom-born Van der Walt previously played in close to 70 games for the Lions before heading to Scotland, where he represented Edinburgh in 107 games, scoring 469 points.

In 2023, he returned to South Africa after representing the Thistles in four Tests, making his debut against Ireland in Dublin in the Six Nations. Upon his return, he featured for the Bulls in a handful of games. 

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Van der Walt is busy sorting out his visa in order to travel with the Cheetahs to Europe for the Challenge Cup, where they will tackle the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in England, and Stade Français in Amsterdam next month in the first two rounds.

The signing of the highly experienced player comes at an ideal time, as Namibian international Tiaan Swanepoel is facing at least another four months on the sidelines due to hip surgery. George Lourens is back in training after a fractured arm, while Ethan Wentzel is still undergoing rehabilitation following an ankle injury.

During the Currie Cup and in the two games against Black Lion, Franco Smith Jr and Clayton Blommetjies filled the number ten jersey, but their preferred positions are at inside centre and fullback, respectively.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that the addition of Van der Walt to their backline will certainly fill a void.

“I think at flyhalf we are a little bit thin, and we made it work with Franco and Blomme – but Blomme wants to play 15 and Franco wants to play 12, so we need a proper flyhalf here, and then you've got George who is also back.

Juan Smal representing SA Schools against France. Photo: SA Rugby

“So, experience-wise, Jaco has played at fly-half for how long, he played with Scotland for how long, so hopefully we can get it over the line with all the small things sorted for him to be here.”

With Swanepoel set for a return only next year, Steyn agreed that the experienced Van der Walt will nicely fill the void left by the Namibian international.

“Definitely, and we still wait to hear from Tiaan – he went for the hip operation, so I think they said it's four months.

“So we'll have to wait and see if that heals up nicely or not.”

De-An Ackermann playing in Russia. Photo: Facebook

In addition to the pending arrival of Van der Walt, there were two new faces at training on Wednesday as the Cheetahs assembled after a short break following the Toyota Challenge. Former Bulls U21 captain and Junior Springbok hooker, Juan Smal, reported for duty. He represented the Baby Boks during the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town.

Former Pumas outside centre De-an Ackermann also joined, having recently played with Enisei-STM in Russia and Clubul Sportiv Dinamo Bucuresti in Romania. Two former Cheetahs, Ulrich Stander and Friedle Olivier, also represented the Siberian-based club Enisei-STM in Russia.

The Cheetahs’ EPCR Challenge Cup campaign kicks off on 7 December when they face Exeter at Sandy Park.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh