The Cheetahs will be based in Amsterdam for the competition and will face Perpignan, Cardiff, Zebre, and Lyon in their first four games of the European competition.

While the players are still on a break, the coaches have already sprung into action and are underway with their planning for the competition.

The head coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, said they are delighted to have a handful of senior players returning from injury.

“Yeah, like you said, the coaches are always in a bit earlier than the rest,” said Van der Westhuizen. “I think we had a very productive week so far in regards to reviewing the season that's passed and looking at what's coming in the near couple of weeks and months.

“So, planning-wise, I think we’re doing well. Player-wise, we’re very excited to have some of the senior guys back, guys like Jeandré Rudolph, Ali Mgijima, Chucky van der Westhuizen, and Daniel Maartens. Those are all guys that we know can make a big difference to our team and our squad.

Chucky van der Westhuizen and Jeandré Rudolph. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The nice thing is we had the opportunity to give the younger guys time to play and to see what their abilities are at the moment. I think that just adds a little bit more competition. But, going into the EPCR Challenge Cup, you’re definitely looking for the senior guys to step up and show what the experience has given them.

“We’re definitely looking forward to getting the senior guys back and having them add value to the rest of the team.”

The Cheetahs will face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria at the end of November in a warm-up game before heading to Europe. The Cheetahs will tackle the French Top14 team Perpignan in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on 8 December in their opening game of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh