The 34-year-old second-rower has been sidelined since midway through the SA Cup, which also ruled him out of the Currie Cup. His absence opened the door for youngsters like Juan Venter and Arno van der Merwe to step up - and they did so admirably - but the Cheetahs certainly felt the loss of Wegner’s physicality, experience, and calming presence during their campaign.

Carl Wegner after sustaining his injury during the SA Cup - Morgan Piek

Beyond the muscle he brings on the field, Wegner is also one of the big personalities in the change room, and his return comes as a timely boost for the Free Staters as they prepare for one of the toughest away trips in Europe.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Wegner admitted he can hardly contain his excitement.

“I’m very excited - I’m running around here feeling like a kid again,” said Wegner.

“Sometimes it’s important to go through an injury to realise what a privilege it is to play rugby. I can’t wait for next week - just being back with the boys, being part of the team again, and feeling everyone around you.

“It gets lonely when you’re injured and out there on your own, so just getting back is really nice.”

The Cheetahs will jet out to England on Monday for their opening two fixtures of the Challenge Cup - first up, a clash with the Exeter Chiefs this week, before they travel to Amsterdam for next Saturday’s meeting with Stade Français, one of Wegner’s former clubs.

Juan Venter - Morgan Piek

The imposing lock added that this is the moment the squad has been working towards all year, and there’s a palpable buzz as they prepare to launch their campaign.

“I think the boys are excited - we’ve been waiting for this the whole year,” Wegner said.

“We’ve got new faces here, the vibe is up, and we had a perfect day in the wet weather to get some training in before the week wrapped up. I think we’re really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Reflecting on the youngsters who filled his boots while he was sidelined, the seasoned campaigner said he was proud of how players like Venter and Van der Merwe seized their opportunities - something that also reminded him of his early days.

“It takes me back to when I started as well. In under-21s you get injuries in the senior team, and then your opportunity comes. I think Juan took it 100%.

“He’s been absolutely phenomenal for us in the Currie Cup, and he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Sunday’s fixture between the Exeter Chiefs and the Cheetahs at Sandy Park kicks off at 19:30.

December Touring Squad:

Forwards - Aranos Coetzee, Cameron Dawson, Frankie Dos Reis, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Maartens, Tielman Niewoudt, Vernon Paulo, Victor Sekekete, Pierre Uys, Gideon van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner

Backs - De-an Ackermann, Michael Annies, Clayton Blommetjies, Zander du Plessis, Munier Hartzenberg, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, Jandré Nel, Prince Nkabinde, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Jaco van der Walt

Morgan Piek OFM Sport