Steyn believes Els will add plenty of value to the Cheetahs, bringing a combination of physicality, versatility, and experience to a loose-forward department that has been tested by injuries.

The 27-year-old’s departure will be a significant blow for the Griquas after six rock-solid seasons in Kimberley. 

However, the Peacock Blues have repeatedly shown that they have impressive depth, particularly among their loose forwards.

Carl Els, Zane Bester, and Derik Pretorius after winning the 2025 Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

Els brings plenty to the party. If comparisons have to be made, Jeandré Rudolph – who is currently excelling at the Bulls – is probably the closest match.

Like Rudolph, Els offers plenty of physicality, is a useful lineout option, can cover all three positions in the loose trio and is particularly effective over the ball at the breakdown.

The latter was on full display during the Cheetahs’ recent 24-21 Currie Cup defeat against the Griquas, when Els was a constant nuisance at the breakdown.

He also brings a wealth of experience. Els made his 50th appearance for the Peacock Blues in 2025 and will arrive in Bloemfontein having already spent six seasons in the professional game.

While the Cheetahs have no shortage of quality loose forwards, the long-term absence of Gideon van der Merwe has been felt. 

The arrival of Els will therefore strengthen an area of the team that will be particularly important later this year when the Cheetahs embark on another European adventure in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Carl Els. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn told OFM Sport that Els will be a valuable addition to the squad and admitted the Cheetahs are looking forward to seeing him pull on the famous orange jersey.

“We’re excited to see him play in the Cheetahs jersey. I think he can add a lot of value,” said Steyn.

“I mean, young players like Arno van der Merwe and others are coming through, while Neels Volschenk is still young but already has a lot of experience.

Gideon van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think the players can learn a lot from him, and with Gideon van der Merwe being out for a long time, I think he’s going to have a massive impact for us.

“I’m just happy we could squeeze it into the budget.”

Steyn also made it clear that the Cheetahs would love to keep Els in Bloemfontein for as long as possible, while acknowledging that the move represents an opportunity for the player to take another step in his career.

The Cheetahs coach believes there is a reason Els was prepared to leave a well-established Griquas system for a new challenge in Bloemfontein.

Jeandré Rudolph. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He brings a lot of value in terms of physicality,” Steyn added.

“I always say that if we’re a stepping stone for somebody, then it’s great, but we want him here for a long time. If he moves on after the contract, then that’s fine as well.

“If we can have him on the field every weekend, or at least selectable every weekend, it will be great.

“I think things happen for a reason. With Giepa being out for so long, I don’t think he would have come across our table otherwise.

“We were very lucky to get him over the line.”

Before Els makes the move to Bloemfontein, however, the Cheetahs have business of their own to attend to.

The Cheetahs travel to Pretoria on Sunday, where they will face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld at 15:00 in the fifth round of the Currie Cup.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs