The exciting Shimlas loose-forward, Neels Volschenk, is keen and eager to test himself at a higher level at the Toyota Cheetahs.

Volschenk, who is highly rated by Frans Steyn, is one of eight players that won the Varsity Cup on Monday to receive a call-up to the Cheetahs to bolster their squad.

Straight after completing his schooling at Grey College, Volschenk joined the Bulls and spent a few years there before heading back to Bloemfontein.

2024 was his first year of Varsity Cup rugby and he made an immediate impact at the Shimlas. So much so, that with Pierre Uys picking up an injury, he was installed as the captain for a game or two.

Volschenk told OFM Sport that winning the Varsity on Monday night with a thrilling 45-42 victory against the UCT Ikeys in an epic final in Bloemfontein was certainly satisfying, especially as it was his first season with the team famous for their running and attack rugby.

“It was very special to have won the Varsity Cup on Monday night, especially in the way and the manner in which we did it,” said Volschenk.

“Some guys are joking with me and telling me that I'm very lucky and fortunate to have won it in my first season at the Shimlas. When I think about it I realise how honoured and privileged I am to have won the Varsity Cup - not many people can say they have won it.

“It is a special feeling to have won it with some great blokes and it was our goal from the start of the season and even since the beginning of the preseason last year, that was the goal we worked towards.

“So, it's definitely satisfying.”

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The humble loose-forward who definitely puts the team first added that being called-up to the Cheetahs along with seven of his teammates is a very special opportunity and he is determined to make it count.

“Being called-up to the Cheetahs with some fellow Shimlas teammates is an awesome and rewarding feeling.

“Of course, you want to play at the highest level and being called-up to the Cheetahs is a great opportunity for all of us.

“For me especially, coming from Bloemfontein and then going to the Bulls straight out of school, and then coming back to the Free State, is an opportunity that I want to grab with both hands. Hopefully I can make an impact at the Cheetahs, and get some game time with my Shimlas teammates. Hopefully we can really make a difference at the Cheetahs, play some good rugby, and grab the opportunity.

“I know that I am really excited and I'm sure all of my teammates are as well.”

The Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs, Frans Steyn, in turn told OFM Sport that they will have to get their things in order as he feels Volschenk will be on the radar of many teams soon, if not already.

“The problem for us is that we really need to get our stuff in order, because I really think someone is going to try and pick him up again,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.

“I think in a couple years he will be one of the leaders in the group. That's if he stays and we can give him that opportunity.

“He is an awesome guy and like I said earlier that there is a certain kind of player and guy we need to get hold off, and he is that.”

The other Shimlas players that underwent medicals at the Cheetahs on Wednesday are Michael Annies (outside back), Zane Bester (centre), Jandré Nel (scrumhalf), Jooste Nel (centre), Johnre Stopforth (lock), Pierre Uys (lock/flank) and Ethan Wentzel (flyhalf).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport