Cheetahs, Sharks exchange flyhalves
The Cheetahs and Sharks have decided to 'exchange' flyhalves, ahead of the forthcoming Currie Cup season.
It was confirmed Fred Zeilinga will depart Durban for Bloemfontein at the completion of the Super Rugby season, while current Cheetahs No.10 Joe Pietersen will head in the opposite direction – to Durban.
Zeilinga has been given an early release from his contract in Durban to join the Free State Currie Cup team.
Pietersen, whose contract with the Cheetahs was for the Super Rugby season, will in fact join the Sharks at the end of May.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Fred for his commitment and dedication to the Sharks over the past few years," .Sharks CEO John Smit said.
"We wish him every success for this new chapter in his career and we look forward to seeing him further progress in Bloemfontein."
This seasoned Pietersen brings with him a wealth of experience and an astute knowledge of the game.
His role in Durban will include providing the necessary mentorship and guidance to the talented young players in our Currie Cup squad – such as Sibongumusa Radebe and Garth April.
Meanwhile Cheetahs Director of Rugby Rory Duncan confirmed that veteran Springbok Heinrich Brüssow has in all likelihood played his last game for the franchise.
Brüssow, who fractured his arm during the game against the Reds last month, will not return to Bloemfontein after this season.
He will continue his career in Japan, but unlike the last few seasons, will not return for Super Rugby.
"It would have been great to have him here," Duncan told rugby365, adding: "However, I do understand that playing a Super Rugby campaign, go straight into a Japan season and then come back [to Bloemfontein] – without getting much of a break – is tough."
The Cheetahs boss also confirmed that Daan Human will take over from Os du Randt as Cheetahs scrum coach.
Du Randt and head coach Naka Drotské will be in charge of a Cheetahs team for the last time when they play the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
Franco Smith will take over from Drotské and Human will join the revamped coaching panel ahead of the Currie Cup season.
It was recently confirmed that Corniel van Zyl has been earmarked to take the position as forwards coach, while Charl Strydom will be defence coach.
Van Zyl, who was a member of the Cheetah team that won the Currie Cup in 2005, 2006 and 2007, represented Italy at the 2011 World Cup and played in seven Tests for his adopted country.
He was player/coach with the Italian club, Treviso – who completed their season last week.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
