Cape Town - Loose forward Uzair Cassiem is relishing the prospect of playing Super Rugby.
The former Pumas stalwart recently completed a move to Griquas and has been included in the Cheetahs’ pre-season training squad.
He represented the Pumas from 2012-2015 and was part of their Vodacom Cup-winning side this year.
“I really enjoyed it at the Pumas. I learnt a lot from coaches like MJ Mentz and Jimmy Stonehouse,” the 25-year-old told Netwerk24.
“I felt I needed change in my life and sometimes a shift in rugby brings about progress.”
The Cheetahs start their 2016 Super Rugby campaign with a home game against the new team from Argentina on Friday, February 26.
Cheetahs squad:
Justin Basson, Rayno Benjamin, Clayton Blommetjies, Tienie Burger, Willie Britz, Johan Coetzee, Luan de Bruin, Lood de Jager, Maphutha Dolo, Jacques du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Sias Ebersohn, Joubert Engelbrecht, Reinhardt Erwee, Elandre Huggett, Reniel Hugo, Niell Jordaan, Armandt Koster, Tertius Kruger, Nico Lee, Hilton Lobberts, Niel Marias, Steven Meiring, Tian Meyer, Danie Mienie, Zee Mkhabela, Oupa Mohoje, Uzair Cassiem, Teunis Nieuwoudt, Gerhard Olivier, Sergeal Petersen, Boom Prinsloo, Niel Rautenbach, Raymond Rhule, Willem Serfontein, Paul Schoeman, William Small-Smith, JP Smith, BG Uys, Francois Uys, Michael van der Spuy, Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Ruan van Rensburg, Coenie van Wyk, Francois Venter, Henco Venter, Shaun Venter, Dennis Visser, Carl Wegner, Fred Zeilinga
Cheetahs’ 2016 Super Rugby fixtures:
February 26: Cheetahs v Argentina
March 5: Cheetahs v Stormers
March 12: Japan v Cheetahs
March 19: Lions v Cheetahs
March 26: Cheetahs v Brumbies
April 2: Bulls v Cheetahs
April 5: Cheetahs v Japan
April 22: Rebels v Cheetahs
April 30: Reds v Cheetahs
May 7: Waratahs v Cheetahs
May 14: Cheetahs v Kings
May 28: Stormers v Cheetahs
July 2: Cheetahs v Force
July 9: Sharks v Cheetahs
July 16: Cheetahs v Bulls