The former Springbok legend and Toyota Cheetah captain, Ruan Pienaar, will take the first steps in his coaching career when he officially joins the Free State U21 and Toyota Academy coaching staff as the new backline and attack coach.

Pienaar will still play for the Cheetahs in the SA Cup, whereafter he will hang up his playing boots to move to a full-time coaching position.

"Ruan brings a wealth of experience, and the Cheetahs are fortunate to have him in our camp. He will also be involved with all the professional teams, and his job will be to further improve the skill set needed in the way the Cheetahs want to play." Said MJ Smith, COO of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd.

Ruan will be the bridge between the juniors and seniors and raise the next generation of senior players by equipping them to play on a higher level.

"We need continuity between the teams." Said Smith.

Giving back to the game that made him a Springbok legend, Ruan said: "I'm excited about the new role and look forward to the challenge and learning."

The SA Rugby U21 Cup kicks off on Friday, 3 May, and the team from the Free State will face the Lions at Ellis Park.