Leighton Koopman
THE Cheetahs are working hard behind the scenes to make a move down south for more competitive rugby at a higher level.
After their Currie Cup semi-final loss to the Lions in Johannesburg yesterday, director of rugby Frans Steyn confirmed they are working on a plan to get tougher competition and a foot in the southern hemispheres franchise competition again.
The Cheetahs were booted from Super Rugby years ago to accommodate the so-called big four franchises of South African rugby. After finding a home in the Pro14 of the northern hemisphere, they were also dumped from that competition, with South Africas exit from Super Rugby and the four franchises moving to the United Rugby Championship at the cost of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.
Since then, the Free State outfit has scrambled for international competition and apart from being included in the EPCRs Challenge Cup as an invitation side, they had to make do with the Currie Cup and their own Toyota Challenge for competitive rugby.
