Confirmed - Cheetahs coach will move to Premiership at end of season

The Toyota Cheetahs have confirmed that Head Coach Rory Duncan will be leaving the Toyota Cheetahs with the completion of the Guinness Pro14 championship in May 2018. Rory will be joining Worcester Warriors in the UK.

Having won the Currie Cup as captain of the 2007 Free State Cheetahs team and serving as not only Director of Rugby but also as head coach of the Currie Cup and Guinness Pro14 side, Rory Duncan has been an vital part of the Toyota Cheetahs over last 4 years. He has made a lasting impact not only on the filed but also in the boardroom. During his tenure as Director of Rugby Rory played an integral part in opening the doors for the Toyota Cheetahs in the northern hemisphere and has gone on to coach the team to eight victories thus far in the 2017/2018 Guinness Pro 14.

“We have great appreciation for what Rory has done for Free State Rugby over the last four years and we wish him well,” said Harold Verster, Manging Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd.

Free State Rugby thank Rory for his commitment and dedication during his time at the Toyota Cheetahs and is proud to send yet another product of the Toyota Cheetah into the rugby world and wish him well on his future endeavours. Just as Rassie Erasmus and Niel Powell, Rory is also another great example that Free State Rugby is truly a breeding ground of opportunity.

Franco Smith coach Toyota Cheetahs again

Franco Smith has decided to return full time to the Toyota Cheetahs and not to accept an offer to remain on the Springbok coaching staff.

He will be staying on as Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the Toyota Cheetahs for the next two seasons. Smith will be replacing Rory Duncan who will be leaving for Worcester Warriors after the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14 campaign.

“Free State Rugby had long interviews and discussions about the situation and the process was completed in good spirit,” said Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. “Free State Rugby is excited and thankful that Franco made the decision to stay. His rugby expertise and coaching ability is invaluable to the Toyota Cheetahs.”