Several of the Cheetahs’ seasoned campaigners who were involved in the gruelling Currie Cup campaign will be rested, while a number of injured players are making their return. There are also new signings who will pull on the Cheetahs jersey for the first time.

Among the most notable returnees are Namibian international hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen and former UCT Ikeys star winger Ntokozo Makhaza.

However, arguably the most exciting inclusion is loose forward Aidon Davis.

Aidon Davis. Photo: Morgan Piek

The 32-year-old former Junior Springbok is preparing to make an emotional return to competitive rugby after a two-year absence.

Davis, who has previously captained the Cheetahs, has been sidelined after battling health issues following his return from England, where he played for the Exeter Chiefs. Although he has been training with the team for more than a year, he has only now reached the point where he is ready to return to competitive action.

During his time on the sidelines, Davis remained closely involved with the Cheetahs, assisting with the coaching of the junior teams while also lending a hand to the senior squad.

In December 2023, while playing for Exeter, Davis was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He stepped away from rugby to undergo intensive chemotherapy treatment.

Showing immense resilience, Davis successfully battled the illness and is now preparing for a remarkable return to competitive rugby with the Cheetahs.

His experience also inspired him to establish The Davis Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Now fully fit and ready to lace up his boots again, Davis told OFM Sport he is thrilled to be back on the field and grateful that all the hard work has finally paid off.

Ntokozo Makhaza. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve played – two years, to be exact – but I’m very excited to be back,” said Davis.

“I think it’s only by God’s grace that I’m back playing and can take the field again. It’s going to be a big challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to it.

“I think we’re taking a young group with a few senior players, but it’s going to be a really good tour, especially for squad depth and just the future of the Cheetahs.

Chucky van der Westhuizen in action against Black Lion in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

“For myself, it’s going to be a big challenge. I haven’t played in a while, so I’m looking forward to that. I’m just very happy to be back and be playing again.”

For Davis, however, the Tbilisi Cup will be about much more than rugby. After everything he has been through over the past two years, simply running back onto the field in the orange jersey will be a moment to savour.

The Cheetahs will kick off their campaign in Georgia on Thursday afternoon when they tackle the Lusitanos of Portugal at 15:00.

Cheetahs squad - Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi, Aidon Davis, Darius Erwee, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Ntokozo Makhaza, Dux Manyma, Mihlali Mosi, Sasko Ndlovu, Jandré Nel, Tielman Niewoudt, Siya Ningiza, Tebogo Nkosi, Litha Nkula, John-Kelly Okonkwo, Ben Pitout, Shaun Ray, Juandré Schoeman, Tiaan Swanepoel, Arno van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Stefan Venter, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner and Ethan Wentzel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs