The former Central University of Technology star is one of a handful of young and upcoming players in the Cheetahs squad. He is keen to learn from the more experienced players in the team, particularly those in the loose trio.

The 25-year-old is among the latest generation of Free State players whose fathers also represented the proud union in the past. What makes it even more special is that the new Cheetahs jersey for the EPCR Challenge Cup pays homage to the team and jersey from the 1997 season, a year when the Free State reached the Currie Cup final.

Other players whose dads player for the Free State are Carl Wegner, who is the son of Carl Wegner, and the centre Franco Smith, who is the eldest son of the former Springbok flyhalf, and current Glasgow Warriors coach, Franco Smith. Then the American international scrumhalf, Ruben de Haas’ dad Pieter, and grandfather Gerard de Haas, both represented the Free State as well.

Stander is the son of former Free State tighthead prop Matt Stander, a member of the class of ’97, which included rugby legends such as Jannie de Beer, Os du Randt, Helgard Muller, and André Venter.

While Stander has set his sights on establishing himself in the team this season, he told OFM Sport that wearing a jersey inspired by the one his father wore is a special privilege. He expressed his desire to honour both the jersey and the legacy of the players who came before him.

‘It’s an honour to wear this jersey’

“It’s just an honour for me,” said Stander.

“I was a child when I saw my dad playing rugby. Growing up with a rugby player of that calibre, it’s an honour to wear this jersey. It’s an honour to represent the Cheetahs and the former players as well.”

During a conversation with the two generations of Free State players, Matt’s pride was evident. The former front-rower told OFM Sport that his heart swells with pride when he watches his son in action.

Matt and Ulrich Stander with the '97 and '24/25 jerseys. Photo: Morgan Piek

“For sure, just watching from the sidelines, seeing him warming up – one thinks, ‘Brilliant, great.’ And when you sit there, you always wish the best for him, before and after the game. I’m very proud of what he has achieved already.”

Chuckling, Matt shared fond memories of his own playing days with the Cheetahs.

“My fondest memory was during my debut game against Western Province in Bloemfontein. It was the first time I pulled the jersey over my head. The best part was that I was sitting on the sidelines as a reserve, right next to the field. My wife was sitting directly behind me in the stands, rooting for Western Province while I was playing for the Cheetahs! It was a bit of a punch in the gut, but I understood her perspective.”

The Cheetahs’ 2024/25 season will officially kick off on Sunday, December 8, when they face French Top 14 club Perpignan in the Netherlands. This match at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam is scheduled to begin at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh