The 35-year-old, who celebrates his 36th birthday in August, will lead the team onto the field for their second-round Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Bloemfontein. He becomes the second player this season to reach the 150-game mark for the Cheetahs after tighthead prop and Namibian international Aranos Coetzee achieved the feat during the SA Cup in the rain-affected encounter against the Pumas.

Although the former Blitzbok has enjoyed stints with the Leicester Tigers in England, the Scarlets in Wales and the Stormers in Cape Town, Bloemfontein has always drawn him back. Love him or loathe him, Blommetjies has been one of Free State rugby’s most loyal servants, repeatedly delivering when his team has needed him most.

Clayton Blommetjies can play just about anywhere in the backline for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

His 150 appearances for the Toyota Cheetahs have been spread across several competitions. He has featured in 71 Currie Cup matches, 29 Super Rugby games, 25 PRO14 fixtures, 11 SA Cup encounters, five Super Rugby Unlocked matches, three Franchise Cup games, three Toyota Challenge fixtures, one match in Georgia and one EPCR Challenge Cup appearance.

Blommetjies, who is a huge cricket fan and very good player as well, made his Cheetahs debut in 2014 under coach Naka Drotské. Just two years later, his consistently impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Barbarians, where he faced the Springboks at Wembley Stadium in London.

While the elusive Springbok cap remains the one achievement missing from an otherwise distinguished career, Blommetjies told OFM Sport that the Free State and the Cheetahs will always be home.

“I think Free State is home – the Cheetahs are home,” said Blommetjies.

“This is where everything started for me. Tuks and the Bulls were there, but everything really started here with Coach Nakes, Coach Os and all those guys, then Coach Franco, and now I’m working with Coach Frans.

“I love the brand of rugby that’s played here. I’m so used to the running rugby that’s played here, and I think that’s what I grew up with when I started my rugby career down in Boland.

“For me, it’s just about enjoying everything, loving the game of rugby and embracing the brand of rugby that the Cheetahs play.”

Clayton Blommetjies and Michael Annies against the Suzuki Griquas during the 2025 Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

The veteran added while reaching 150 matches is a proud personal milestone, the focus remains firmly on helping the team continue their winning start to the Currie Cup.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to run out this Friday evening for my 150th. For me, it’s just another game, and we want to win it,” Blommetjies said.

“Like Coach Frans said this morning, we must go out there and enjoy ourselves, but we also want to win because this is a stepping stone to the EPCR and the Toyota Challenge when we head overseas for the second leg.

Clayton Blommetjies against the Pumas in the Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s not about me. It’s just another game, but we must get the five points and build on this Currie Cup campaign.”

Although Blommetjies is now one of the senior statesmen in the squad, he believes his greatest contribution extends beyond his own performances. Passing on his experience to exciting young backs such as Michael Annies and Cohen Jasper has become equally important.

“For me, it’s just about putting my best foot forward. It’s not about me; it’s about the team,” he said. “We’re 23 guys on the field, and it’s about helping those guys. They love running rugby, but sometimes you can’t just run yourself out of trouble. There’s a kicking game as well.

Clayton Blommetjies celebrating his try in the 2022 Currie Cup semi-final against the Pumas. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s about helping them, telling them where to play, where we must run, how we must run, what we must do and what we can’t do. I want to be that senior figure on the field to guide them.

“I’m enjoying my rugby, and I think the freedom the coaches give us helps as well. It allows me to enjoy my rugby, play alongside those young guys, give them the confidence to express themselves and simply enjoy the game with them.”

Blommetjies will hope to celebrate his landmark appearance with another memorable victory when the Cheetahs host the Sharks in their second-round Currie Cup clash at the Toyota Stadium on Friday. Kick-off is at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm