Cheetahs prepare to lose key duo for PRO14

Bloemfontein - The Cheetahs are preparing for life in the PRO14 without two of their key players. 

The tournament is currently on a break, but when the Cheetahs take on Zebre in Italy next week it will be the last time they are able to use Springbok wing Raymond Rhule and utility back Sergeal Petersen.

The duo, key to the Cheetahs cause over the past couple of season, will be heading off to Cape Town after their contracts with the Bloemfontein-based franchise expire at the end of October. 

There is obviously no Super Rugby until early next year, but Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan was quoted as saying on Netwerk24 that the contracts of both players at the Stormers come into effect on November 1. 

It will be a blow to the Cheetahs, but it is something they have known was coming with the confirmation of the signings coming months ago. 

After a tough start, the Cheetahs have found their feet in their first season of PRO14. 

Six rounds of fixtures into the competition, they find themselves in third position in Conference A with three wins and three losses. 

The group stages of the PRO14 will run until the end of April next year.