The 29-year-old tighthead is one of two new props, with Banele Mthenjane, also joining the team from the Lions, whole Laurence Victor, who played for the team out of the academy, now has a contract.

Forwood has previously played for the Bulls, Southern Kings and in France as well.

The front-rower told OFM Sport that the possibility of playing against the Western Force next month excites him.

“I'm very privileged to be able to join the Cheetahs for the next two seasons,” said Forwood.

“I'm looking forward to the games against the Western Force, especially as I made by Super Rugby debut against them.

“Then later on this season we will be playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup and I think we can go into that with a lot of confidence knowing that the Cheetahs won the Currie Cup this year.

“Next year it's the Currie Cup again and hopefully I can do my part in helping the boys win it again.

“I'm just very excited for this new opportunity that I've been given.”

Other players that began a new chapter at the Cheetahs on Wednesday are Raegan Oranje (Griquas), Carl Wegner (Benetton), Abner van Reenen (Rovigo) and Reuben de Haas (Saracens).

The Cheetahs will face the Force in home and away double-headers from the end of August as they prepare for the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport