Steyn takes over the role from Izak van der Westhuizen, who acted in the position on an interim basis following the departure of Hawies Fourie in 2024.

Steyn, who was the Director of Rugby, is now much more hands-on with the team, while Van der Westhuizen remains part of the technical team. The former Cheetahs and Edinburgh lock reverts to his former role as the team’s Forwards Coach.

Steyn’s long-time friend and former teammate at the Springboks, Sharks, Montpellier, and the Cheetahs – Ruan Pienaar – has, in turn, been appointed as the new Backline Coach. Steyn told OFM Sport that he never imagined he’d be a coach so soon after retiring from the sport as a player.

“I think it's interesting times, and we’re trying to build something special here,” he said. “But yes, I couldn't imagine that even when I was still playing, I’d finish at the Free State and get the job afterward, and now we need to make it work.”

Pienaar, who called it quits in May 2024, immediately stepped in as a junior coach at the Free State and has now been elevated to the senior team. Pienaar told OFM Sport that having played up until recently makes it somewhat easier.

Ruan Pienaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’ve always said and always knew as a player that being a coach is completely different, so I’m still learning. I had a quick coaching stint with the under-21s, which was a big learning curve for me,” said Pienaar.

“You’ve got to continue learning. No matter if you go through 10 or 15 years, you’ve always got to evolve and learn. There are still many places I want to go to and see how people do things, learn, and speak to people.

“I’m in this position to try and help Frans as best as possible, and I’m under no illusions that it’s completely different being a coach than a player. I only stopped playing less than a year ago, so I’m excited about the opportunity and hopefully, we can bring a positive vibe to the team.”

Izak van der Westhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that coaching the forwards is something he is deeply passionate about, and he is happy to work on the team’s engine.

“Being the interim head coach was a good experience,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“Obviously, there were a lot of tough situations that we had to work through, but I love being with the forwards. That’s where I started, and I think that’s where I enjoy myself the most – being upfront with the guys who work hard and scrum and maul.

‘I’m happy being with the forwards’

“I find a lot of joy in that, which other people don’t understand. They don’t see it, so that’s something that I enjoy, and I’m happy being with the forwards.”

The trio’s first task is to prepare the Cheetahs for the upcoming SA Cup, which will kick off for them on 8 March against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh