Double World Cup winner Frans Steyn is set to coach the Cheetahs in a shake-up for the Currie Cup.
Under head coach Izak van der Westhuizen, the Bloemfontein-based franchise this season failed to reach the EPCR Challenge Cup playoffs for the first time.
In their last pool match, they were thrashed 68-21 by Lyon at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.
According to Rapport, Steyn – who became Cheetahs director of rugby at the end of 2023 after retiring as a 78-Test icon – will be head coach of the Currie Cup team this year, supported by two former Springboks.
Former Bok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar, who retired as a player in May last year after finishing his career in Bloemfontein, will be the backline coach. The 40-year old has coached the Cheetahs U21 team and reportedly turned down the chance to be head coach of the senior side.
Ex-Bok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who also played for the Cheetahs, will take charge of the forwards after fulfilling his commitments with Shimlas in the Varsity Cup.
The Cheetahs last won the Currie Cup in 2023 under head coach Hawies Fourie, who then joined Boland. Last year, they finished fourth on the log after winning five of their 10 matches, before losing 43-34 to the Lions in the Ellis Park semi-final.
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