The youngster who was previously at Montpellier in France as well, has represented the Cheetahs in the past and scored a try on debut for the team during the PRO14 Rainbow Cup.

Muller, who weighs in at well over 100kg is not contracted by the Cheetahs at this stage, however, he started training with the team, and he is in their plans going forward.

Muller told OFM Sport that he looks forward to playing in the 15-man code again.

“I'm excited to be back at the Cheetahs and to see familiar faces and the set up that I've been a part of,” said the former schoolboy rugby star.

“I've very happy to be playing in the 15-man code again after four months of not playing and just coming back from the South African Sevens Academy. I trained with them for about two months, but I'm just excited to be back.”

The coach Hawies Fourie in his turn was delighted to receive a phone call from Muller’s agent on Monday to inform him that the 22-year-old player is back in Bloemfontein.

With the Cheetahs having to travel to France in April for their European Challenge Cup game against Toulon, Muller’s return is a timely boost to their depth, especially after Enver Brandt was ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.

Fourie told OFM Sport that Muller’s return to Bloemfontein was perfectly timed.

“At this stage of the year it's good to have a guy like Marcell back,” said Fourie.

“We've got to play against the Pumas and Toulon on the same weekend and it will help us a lot to have a quality player like Marcell in the fold… for that game especially.

“The little bit that I have seen of him, it looks like his skillset has improved.”

The Cheetahs kick-off their Currie Cup campaign on Friday against the Griquas in Kimberley.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport