The Free State Cheetahs have been quick out of the blocks in preparing for the Currie Cup and beyond. Apart from the new signings Piet Lindeque, Tonderai Chavhanga and Wian du Preez, previously reported on Rugby Talk, Coach Naka Drotskè has also confirmed that Leopards tighthead, John Roy Jenkinson has also signed a two year contract with the Cheetahs.

Born in Worcestor on the 26th March 1991. He attended Glenwood High School, and has a very respectable portfolio:

• 2007 – KZN (U/16 Grant Khomo week).
• 2008 – KZN-Natal CD (u/18 Academy week).
• 2009 – KZN (u/18 Coca Cola Craven week).
• 2010 – Leopards u/19
• 2011 – NWU-Pukke (Steinhoff Varsity Cup), Leopards (ABSA u/21 Competition, ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), South Africa (IRB Junior World Championship).
• 2012 – NWU-Pukke (Steinhoff Varsity Cup), Leopards (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup First Division), SA Students (SA Students 2012).
• 2013 – Leopards XV (Vodacom Cup), Leopards (ABSA Currie Cup First Division).

As a specialist tighthead, he will compete with Rossouw de Klerk and possibly 2012 Junior Springbok tighthead Luan de Bruin. Either way it will add depth in a position the Cheetahs have been a tad vulnerable in. Like Trevor Nyakane, Jenkinson is short and stocky, which can make him a tough customer to scrum against (178 cm and 122 kg).