Former Bulls flyhalves join Cheetahs

Cape Town - The Cheetahs recently announced several new signings as they look forward to playing in the PRO14 and Currie Cup.

The Bloemfontein-based franchise will have a squad of over 50 players for both competitions.

Among the new recruits include several former Bulls players.

Scrumhalf Rudy Paige has signed a long-term deal having joined from the Bulls earlier in the season, while centre Dries Swanepoel is also signed from the Bulls. Swanepoel returns to Bloemfontein having left for Pretoria straight after his schooling at Grey College.

Two former Bulls flyhalves - Tian Schoeman and Louis Fouche - are also now in the Cheetahs camp. Schoeman had recently spent time at French club Bordeaux, while Fouche was in Japan at the Kubota Spears.

There’s also a giant new lock, with 2.09m JP du Preez signed from the Lions. He was the tallest ever player to play Super Rugby while at the Lions.

Former USA international scrumhalf Ruben de Haas is another notable inclusion.

The Cheetahs open their Currie Cup campaign at home against the Blue Bulls on August 17 and their first PRO14 match is away to Irish club Munster on September 1.

New players in the Cheetahs squad:

Rudy Paige (scrumhalf, Bulls), Adriaan Carelse (fullback, Boland), Tian Schoeman (flyhalf, Bordeaux), Louis Fouche (flyhalf, Kubota Spears), Ruben de Haas (scrumhalf, USA), Dries Swanepoel (centre, Bulls), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (utility back, Sharks), Walt Steenkamp (lock, Leopards), JP du Preez (lock, Lions), Aidon Davis (loose forward, Toulon), Louis Conradie (lock, Boland)