Francois Steyn heading to Cheetahs

David Skippers

Montpellier Frans Steyn during the European Champions Cup, pool four match at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton.

The Cheetahs have announced that they have acquired the services of Springboks utility back Francois Steyn, who will join them on a two-year deal.

Harold Vester, managing director of Free State Rugby, confirmed that Steyn will join the Bloemfontein-based outfit’s ranks in a few months’ time.

“We are delighted to announce that Frans Steyn has signed a 2-year agreement with the Cheetahs, starting on 1 July 2020,” said Verster.

Attending Grey College in Bloemfontein, Steyn joined the Sharks straight after high school in 2006. He moved to France in 2009 to play for Racing 92 but returned to the Sharks in 2012.

He also played for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan’s Top League but returned to France where he represented Montpellier since 2016.

Steyn played his first of 67 matches for the Springboks at the tender age of 19 and became the second Springbok, following Os du Randt, to win two Rugby World Cups – once in 2007 and again in 2019.

The versatile back can play at fly-half, centre and full-back, and made his Test debut for the Boks on the wing.

“Further to the signing of Frans Steyn, the majority of the players will remain with the Cheetahs for the following season,” added Verster.

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