Frans Steyn appointed Cheetahs' new director of rugby

Cheetahs have announced that double World Cup-winner Frans Steyn has been appointed as the club's new director of rugby.

Steyn announced his retirement from playing career in July after failing to recover from a knee injury and last played for Cheetahs which he joined in 2020.

The 36-year-old though started his career with Sharks in 2006 and played for Racing and Toshiba Brave Lupus. He also featured for French club Montpellier in over 100 games between 2016 and 2020 before moving to Cheetahs.

He was also the second South African player to have won the World Cup twice in 2007 and 2019 and has 78 Test caps to his name.

“I am excited to step into this new role,” Steyn told the club's official website..

“My initial focus will be to actively promote Cheetahs rugby at school and junior level.

"I look forward to working closely with [Cheetahs COO] MJ Smith to elevate the rugby programme and build on the proud history of the Toyota Cheetahs.”

Cheetahs CEO Ross van Reenen is delighted to have Steyn taking an influential role in the club.

“Frans Steyn is an iconic figure in world rugby, and we are extremely fortunate to have him in our fold,” he said.

“His rugby expertise and passion for the game align perfectly with our vision for the Cheetahs. We believe he will help reinvent and re-establish the Cheetahs as a force to be reckoned with.”