Former Springbok utility back Franco Smith has been appointed as assistant coach of the Cheetahs.

Backline coach Hawies Fourie has been released to take charge of Griquas.

Sport24

Fourie was named Griquas’ Currie Cup coach last year and while the initial plan was for him to stay with the Cheetahs until the completion of the Super Rugby competition, the franchise decided to release him earlier so he can focus on helping Griquas gain promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division.

He will leave the Cheetahs after their game against the Stormers at Newlands on 24 May.

Peter Engledow and Pieter Bergh are currently in charge of Griquas in the Vodacom Cup. They host the Golden Lions in the final this Friday, after which Fourie will take charge as they prepare for the Currie Cup playoff competition.

The 41-year-old Smith, who played 9 Tests for the Springboks between 1997 and 1999, officially joined the Cheetahs on Tuesday. He will also take charge of the Cheetahs’ backline during the Currie Cup.