Photo Credit: http://www.fscheetahs.co.za/
The two new signings at the Toyota Cheetahs, Jacques Potgieter and Brandon Thomson reported for duty at the team on Monday to start with their respective contracts.
The former Springbok loose-forward, Potgieter, has signed a one-year contract at the Toyota Cheetahs after having gone through a trial period at the team.
At 34-years-old Potgieter brings a lot of experience to the team after previously having represented the Bulls, Sharks, Waratahs and Toulon.
The former Junior Springbok flyhalf, Brandon Thomson, has arrived to start his two-year contract at the Toyota Cheetahs. Thomson joins from the Scottish outfit, Glasgow Warriors, and brings valuable experience from Europe.
Thomson, who is turning 26-years-old on Sunday, has previously played for the Stormers, Western Province and the University of Stellenbosch Maties as well. At the age-group level, he represented both the SA Schools team in 2013 and the BabyBoks in 2015.
Potgieter said that he is delighted to be a Cheetahs player now, and he is more than happy to part with the hard-earned wisdom he picked up over the years.
"For me, it's a massive honour to be a so-called Cheetah. I haven't pulled the jersey over my head yet, but I can't wait.
"I'm looking forward to pulling the white and orange strip over my shoulders, to play and have fun here in Bloemfontein.
"There is nothing like experience. I've played overseas for a very long time and experience is just something that money can't buy.
"I feel like I can play a massive role here at the Cheetahs by being the older guy and setting an example for the younger players to look up to.
"I'm an open book and very approachable. If they need anything from me or need to talk to me about what to do in any situation, they can do so and feel they know that."
Thomson in his turn looks forward to the possibility of playing alongside players he looked up to when he was growing up.
"They are a really exciting team with a super dangerous backline when they get going. They play a keeping-the-ball-alive brand of rugby which is very exciting and I look forward to forming a part of that. I look forward to contributing where I can.
"The possibility of Ruan (Pienaar) at nine and Frans (Steyn) at 12 is something I'm looking forward to. These are guys that when magazines still had centrefold posters, I would put them up on my wall. I'm keen to pick their brains about rugby on and off of the field."
With the head coach, Hawies Fourie, indicating that all the contracted players in his squad will get game time in the Kick-off series, Potgieter and Thomson, are expected to make their respective debuts sooner rather than later.
