Hartzenberg is one of three players from the Peacock Blues that will be heading to Bloemfontein, with the others being the lock, Mzwanele Zito and the loose-forward Sibabalo Qoma.

In addition, another former Maties outside back, Siba Xamlashe, will be heading to the Cheetahs, and the former Lions and Pumas hooker, Marko Janse van Rensburg.

Hartzenberg starred fort he University of Stellenbosch Maties in the Varsity Cup before making the move to Kimberley.

Hartzenberg and Xamlashe will be come the latest of a whole host of former Maties to join the Cheetahs in recent times. The others include Wilmar Arnoldi, Craig Barry, Chris Smit, Reinhardt Fortuin and David Brit.

Hartzenberg told OFM Sport that the move to the Cheetahs came sooner than he expected.

“I'm defiantly looking forward to making the move to the Cheetahs and I think that it will assist me a huge deal in developing further as a rugby player.

“Coming to the Griquas allowed me to experience what it is I need to work on and learn at this level.

“Going to the Cheetahs I can grow some more.

“I feel like I've grown so much at the Griquas already, but I would like to extend that.

“The Cheetahs is a very good side I and feel that I would fit into their DNA in terms of playing running rugby and putting the defence under pressure on attack.

“Overall, I am super excited and I can't want to join the Cheetahs. I must also say that I didn't expect move to come so soon.”

On Monday the Cheetahs also confirmed the signing of Hencus van Wyk and Friedle Olivier.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport