Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Frans Steyn is wasting no time in setting new standards for the Cheetahs, as he prepares to make his professional coaching debut this season.
Following a disappointing Challenge Cup campaign—where the Free State side failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time—Steyn has made it clear that the time for excuses is over. We Must Keep Taking Steps Forward
“We can’t keep making excuses. We’ve played in the SA Cup, the Currie Cup, and then the Challenge Cup. We saw moments of good rugby here and there, but we must keep taking steps forward.”
Speaking to Netwerk24, Frans Steyn didn’t hold back
After missing out on the Currie Cup final last season and finishing their Challenge Cup campaign with only one win from four matches, Steyn believes the team let people down and must now iron out their inconsistencies.
A New Coaching Setup Under Frans Steyn
In a major shake-up, Steyn has taken coaching control of the Cheetahs, with former Springbok teammates Ruan Pienaar and Tiaan Liebenberg joining him on the technical team.
The change has seemingly cost Izak van der Westhuizen his position as head coach, while incoming Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan is set to arrive next week to further reshape the franchise.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges and Squad Boosts
While awaiting confirmation of their participation in the 2025 SA Cup, Steyn’s plans have been boosted by the return of several key players:
✅ James Verity-Amm (knee injury) – back in training after missing action since April.
✅ Christian van der Westhuizen – the teenage scrumhalf returns as Ruben de Haas moves on loan to MLR club New Orleans Gold.
With Steyn’s winning mentality and no-nonsense approach, the Cheetahs are entering a new era—one where results will be expected, not excused.