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.