Ox's stats don't lie

Despite interest from other rugby clubs, Retshegofaditswe Nche last week decided to extend his contract with the Cheetahs.

The Bloemfontein fan favourite, who earned his Springbok cap against Wales in June this year has committed until 2019.

And there’s a reason he’s a fan favourite too, his explosive carrying.

According to Opta stats, Nche gained 347 metres in the PRO14 last season, over twice as many as any other prop, while he was also the prop for clean breaks (9) and defenders beaten (19).

At the age of 22, Nche already played 64 games for the Toyota Cheetahs (25 SuperRugby, 17 Currie Cup, 22 PRO14).

Nche was born in Thaba Nchu, he first earned provincial selection in 2011, when he was included in the Free State squad that participated at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Queenstown. Nche attended HTS Louis Botha and soon became a promising prop. He played for SA Schools in 2012/13, SA U20 in 2015 and SA A in 2017.

347 – Ox Nche gained 347 metres in the @PRO14Official last season, over twice as many as any other prop, while he was also the 🔝 prop for clean breaks (9) and defenders beaten (19). Staying. pic.twitter.com/efN5qeC3ns

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) July 6, 2018

In 2014 he joined the Toyota Cheetah Academy and was a key player for the Free State U19 team in the Provincial Championship, starting all thirteen of their matches in the competition as his side finished second on the log.

Nche brings excitement to a game and Free State Rugby are understandably looking forward to seeing him in action in the upcoming matches.