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Steyn has 3 or 4 more years of rugby in him, says ex-Bok

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Frans Steyn (Gallo Images)
Frans Steyn (Gallo Images)

Springbok utility back Frans Steyn has a lot of rugby left in him and will be a key asset for the Cheetahs.

That is the view of Stefan Terblanche, a former team-mate of Steyn at the Sharks.

"There's a lot of rugby left in those legs of him. Frans may have played a lot of rugby in his 32 years, but if he can avoid injuries then I've got no doubt that he can play for three or four more seasons, [or] even more. He is a top player," Terblanche, a former Springbok wing, told Netwerk24.

It was announced on Sunday that Steyn would join the Cheetahs from 1 July, 2020 after opting not to extend his stay with French outfit Montpellier.

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Steyn, his wife Linca, and their three daughters plan to settle permanently in Bloemfontein.

The 32-year-old, who was schooled at Grey College, represented Free State at junior levels before starting his professional career at the Sharks in 2006.

He has also represented Racing 92 in France and the Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.

Terblanche, who played 37 Tests between 1998 and 2003, agreed that Steyn will be a key cog in the Cheetahs' arsenal.

"Frans' experience and physical presence are unbelievable, and he has a huge boot. He'll add a lot of confidence to the younger players."

While Steyn is a versatile player who can play any position in the backline except scrumhalf, Terblanche said he'd like to see him at inside centre.

"He is big, strong and physical, but with very good ball skills and the ability to distribute. His defence is also sound," Terblanche noted.

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie said earlier this week he would like to see Steyn either in the No 10 or No 12 jersey.

"It's important for me to have experienced players in vital positions. He's a versatile player, but his best position is centre or flyhalf and that's where I'd like to see him feature," Fourie said.

A Rugby World Cup winner in 2007 and 2019, Steyn boasts 67 Test caps for the Springboks.

The PRO14 is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it's becoming increasingly likely that the competition will be cancelled.

If rugby continues in South Africa later this year, it is likely that the Cheetahs will play in a domestic competition featuring fellow PRO14 side the Southern Kings, as well as South Africa's four Super Rugby franchises - the Sharks, Stormers, Bulls and Lions.

A weekend newspaper report indicated that SA Rugby was hoping to have the country's professional players back on the playing field by 5 June.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff

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