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Cheetahs
The Cheetahs are a South African team that competes in the Currie Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup. They used to play in Super Rugby (2006-2017, 2020).
Cheetahs News
International
Exclusive
Faf de Klerk transfer saga nears completion with deal almost signed
5
Shock South African suitors emerge in scrap to sign Faf de Klerk
1
Springbok Marnus van der Merwe Ireland-bound on two-year deal
3
Latest
Exclusive
Blitzbokke great Rosko Specman's career takes curious turn to South America
PREM's most-travelled 'journeyman' revealed ... and it's not Billy Searle
Decision made over cancelled Ulster match with impact across Challenge Cup
'Bit of a shambles': Amsterdam Challenge Cup match called off an hour before kick-off
Bok added but Lions star and Ireland winger among those removed from squads
Gallagher Premiership
Analysis
From Leicester Tigers to Nadroga: The most titled rugby clubs in the world
Cheetahs Rugby Team Players
Cheetahs Forwards
Name
Position
Cheetahs Backs
Name
Position
Free State Cheetahs
History of the Cheetahs
The history of the Free State Cheetahs team can be traced back to 1895, when the Orange Free State Rugby Union was formed. At this point, the team was known as Orange Free State. Today, they’re known as the Toyota Cheetahs for sponsorship purposes. However, the team does still predominantly wear orange.
Despite the team's long history, the side did not make the Currie Cup final until 1973. Following this, they became the 'nearly men', losing in the Currie Cup final in 1973 and 1975. However, only one season later, the team finally captured their first Currie Cup title, when they defeated Western Province in the final.
After this, the Free State lost in a further six Currie Cup finals in a row. But, the start of the professional era (and a change of name to the Free State Cheetahs) saw a change in fortune. After losing in the 2004 final of the competition, the team won the title three years in a row between 2005 and 2007. They also claimed further titles in 2016, 2019 and 2023.
In addition to this, since the 2023-24 season, the team has played in the EPCR Challenge Cup as an invited team (as a result of winning the 2023 Currie Cup). When they play in the European-based competition, they use Amsterdam as their home base.
Since 1912, more than 80 players who have represented the Orange Free State or the Free State Cheetahs have gone on to represent the Springboks, including legends of South African rugby such as Os du Randt, Rassie Erasmus and Juan Smith.
Today the Cheetahs are perennial contenders in the Currie Cup and represent South Africa with pride in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Follow the team’s progress in both competitions here with RugbyPass.
