Rugby
Former Scotland international Van der Walt ready for Cheetahs debut in Europe─── MORGAN PIEK 11:58 Tue, 25 Nov 2025
The new Toyota Cheetahs flyhalf, Jaco van der Walt, has arrived in Bloemfontein and reported for duty as the team finalise their preparations before heading off to Europe for the first two rounds of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The former Scotland international will bolster the backline for their upcoming campaign, and indications are that he will be boarding the flight on Monday to England for the opening game against the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
Van der Walt brings a lot of experience to the Cheetahs after having represented Edinburgh in over 100 games, while he also played for the Lions in more than 60 matches, and spent the last two years at the Bulls in Pretoria. On top of that, he has represented Scotland in four Tests.
Jaco van der Walt. Photo: Gallo
The 31-year-old Potchefstroom-born player told OFM Sport he is excited about the new chapter in his career, and his mindset is all about contributing to the team.
“It's good to be back in South Africa – I was at the Bulls for two years and excited to be here,” said Van der Walt.
“I know the Cheetahs are playing an exciting brand of rugby, so I’m really excited to join the team and get to know the boys.
“The boys are looking good and positive, and obviously, the Challenge Cup is going to be a good challenge for us. I mean, because, you know, it’s against some of the best teams in Europe.
“You’re playing against Exeter, and you’re playing against Ulster – you're playing all those guys, and it’s good teams. So it’s going to be a massive time for us to go to that side and improve ourselves as a team and as a union.”
Van der Walt added that in Europe, the weather is always going to be a factor, but it’s also a matter of tuning in mentally and being prepared for what awaits, while the right attitude is also important.
“I think obviously weather-wise, it’s quite challenging at times, but you know, some things you’re going to have to face and just work towards and just stick together as a team.
“Attitude is a big thing in that weather, and if you stick together as a team, we’ll do well.
De-an Ackermann playing in Russia. Photo: Instagram
“You want to play exciting rugby, but sometimes it’s not going to be exciting that side because weather-wise it doesn’t allow you to.
“So, we just need to stick together, do the basics well, and then just do well as a team.”
The squad to travel to Europe is yet to be finalised, but at this stage, Van der Walt appears to be set for his debut in England, while the new centre, De-An Ackermann, could also debut against Exeter.
The Cheetahs fly out to London on Monday and kick off their campaign against Exeter on 7 December at 19:30.
