The Toyota Cheetahs have moved swiftly to replace the departing Cheetahs star centre, Robert Ebersohn, who is off to further his career in France with Montpellier. Junior Bok and one of the Bulls form centre’s for the past two years, Francois Venter, has signed a contract with the Cheetahs for the next two years. Venter will still play for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup in 2013 but will then join the Cheetahs.

Venter who has run out for the Bulls 44 times (34 Currie Cup, 10 Super 15) is a very astute signing for the Cheetahs. Venter and current Cheetahs outside centre Johann Sadie have played together at the Bulls in 2012 and should combine well and establish a dynamic centre partnership. Venter was invited to the Springbok camps earlier this year and could well become another Springbok in Cheetah colours.

Other ex Free State Schools players who have recently returned to the Cheetahs fold, are Piet Lindeque and Pieter Jordaan.

Lindeque who played for Tuks in the Varsity Cup this year before joining the Sharks during the Super Rugby campaign, is already training with the Cheetahs in preparation for the Currie Cup and Jordaan, the younger brother of Sharks centre Paul Jordaan, returned after one season with Western Province.

The Cheetahs are consolidating their player base, after a very successful Super Rugby campaign. The future looks bright in the Cheetahs camp, with most of the team remaining in the fold. Only Piet van Zyl is yet to announce his future plans.