After six memorable years in Kimberley, two Currie Cup titles and plenty of bruising battles in the Northern Cape, the hard-working loose forward is packing his bags and heading down the N8 to Bloemfontein.

Els will join the Toyota Cheetahs for the next chapter of his career, taking with him a wealth of experience, physicality and the sort of hard-earned knowledge that only comes from years of doing battle at the coalface.

Carl Els with one many strong carries in the final against the Pumas - Morgan Piek

And what better way to close the door on his Griquas career than by helping them lift another Currie Cup trophy?

On Saturday, Els played the full 80 minutes in the final at the Suzuki Stadium as the Griquas held their nerve to beat the Pumas 23-16 and successfully defend their title.

It was a far cry from 12 months earlier.

Els started last year's final against the Lions at Ellis Park, but his afternoon came to an abrupt end after just seven minutes when he suffered a concussion. This time, there was no early exit and no disappointment – just the sweet taste of another Currie Cup triumph.

The 28-year-old was one of the Griquas' most consistent and combative forwards throughout the 2026 campaign, and his departure leaves a significant void in Pieter Bergh's pack.

For the Cheetahs, though, it is a major boost.

They are adding a player who knows what it takes to win, is comfortable in the heat of battle and is hungry to test himself against a higher level of opposition.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Els admitted that ending his Griquas journey with back-to-back Currie Cup titles made the occasion even more meaningful.

Carl Els, Zane Bester, and Derik Pretorius after winning the 2025 Currie Cup final - Morgan Piek

“It’s been a special six years in Kimberley. A great end to an era like this. Playing a full 80 in the final and helping to win, it’s massive,” said Els.

“I told myself I had to do it because my shoulder was quite sore. My AC joint is gone, it was off basically. I went for a scan in the week, but nothing too bad – it’s just painful.

“Playing in the final last year, seven minutes, getting a shot on the mouth, getting pulled, and all that was quite bleak. But yeah, I’m so happy that the gents pulled through and we could do it back-to-back this year.”

Now the focus shifts from Kimberley to Bloemfontein, and Els is relishing the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to going to Bloem. The wife is also happy. I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to play EPCR and a bit of international rugby and see where I measure myself against other guys.

“I am looking forward to joining the Cheetahs. The people there look amazing, the coaches look great, and yeah, I’m really looking forward to being able to hopefully add some value and just soak it all up.”

There will be little time for Els to put his feet up and enjoy the change of scenery.

The Cheetahs are heading to Georgia for the Tbilisi Cup next week, with their opening match against Portugal's Lusitanos on 24 September. The Cheetahs begin their EPCR campaign in October, travelling to France to face Bayonne on 18 October.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport