Livewire Bulls blindside flanker Jean Cook has also returned to his roots. The Cheetahs were keen to retain the young star back in 2011, but were unable to do so, due to financial constraints. The Cheetahs on field performances, have positively impacted on their financial resources too, which has enabled the contracting of more players.

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Jean Cook made a profound impact off the bench for the Bulls, particularly in the matches versus the Griquas, and Western Province. His try against Western Province in particular was indicative of a player with X-factor. He joins fellow Bulls player Francois Venter at the Cheetahs after the conclusion of the Currie Cup. Despite his performances off the bench, he is likely to still be behind Jacques du Plessis, Jacques (Vleis) Engelbrecht, and Arno Botha in the pecking order at the Bulls.

His desire for more game time, together with the Cheetahs recent performances has prompted his move back to the Cheetahs. Cook has an impressive CV, and will be a welcome addition to the Cheetahs flank resources.

As for the Cheetahs, they had to find replacements for Frans Viljoen (Lyon) and Juan Smith (Toulon). Despite an impressive Super 15 tournament by the Cheetahs loose forwards, they still need quality back up players. Jean will compete with the likes of Lappies Labuschagne, Tertius Daniller, Davon Raubenheimer, Jonothan Adendorff, and Hilton Lobberts for a spot in the Cheetahs Super Rugby squad. The fact that he can also play lock, will enhance his prospects.

Jean George Cook:

Born in Pietermaritzburg on 14 August 1991, Jean attended Grey Primary and then Grey College in Bloemfontein. He furthered his studies at the Central University of Technology.

• Height: 193 cm
• Weight: 105 kg’s

Rugby Portfolio:

• 2007 – Free State u/16 (Coca Cola u/16 Grant Khomo Week).
• 2008 – Konica Minolta Free State (Coca Cola u/18 Craven Week), South Africa (u/18 Elite Squad).
• 2009 – Free State (Coca Cola u/18 Craven Week), SA Schools (SA u/18 High Performance), SA Schools (SA Schools u/18).
• 2010 – CUT (FNB  Varsity Shield), Free State (ABSA u/19 Competition).
• 2011 – Free State (ABSA u/21 Competition),  Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Vodacom Cup), South Africa (IRB Junior Rugby World Championship).
• 2012 – Blue Bulls (ABSA u/21 Competition), Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division).
• 2013 – FNB Tuks 1 (FNB Varsity Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup, ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division),  Bulls (Vodacom Super 15).