The 28-year-old arrived in Bloemfontein on Tuesday and attended training with the team, although he did not take part. He would have made his debut off the bench against the Leopards in the SA Cup on Friday, but by the time he arrived, the Cheetahs’ team for the weekend had already been finalised.

Swanepoel can play as flyhalf or fullback for the Cheetahs and brings a wealth of experience. He represented Namibia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, alongside his new provincial teammates, Chucky van der Westhuizen and Aranos Coetzee. 

He is best known for his time with the Lions in Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship, where he made 18 appearances between 2020 and 2023, scoring 146 points for the Johannesburg-based franchise. He was also previously on the books of the Sharks and, more recently, played for the NEC Green Rockets in Japan.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Swanepoel expressed his excitement about joining the Cheetahs and his eagerness to contribute to the team.

“It’s awesome to be in Bloem. I always enjoyed my time here when I played against the Cheetahs, and now that I’m part of the team, I’m very excited,” said Swanepoel.

Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: The Namibian

“I enjoyed my time in Japan and have also played in the URC, so it’s been great to gain that experience and now bring it to this team. It will definitely help the squad. Having guys like Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar as coaches is also a massive plus – they bring a lot of experience, which is great for us.”

Swanepoel added that he is eager to learn from Steyn and Pienaar, both of whom were highly skilled players at flyhalf and fullback.

“Obviously, I can learn a lot from them. They are both Springboks, both Rugby World Cup winners, and both played in the same positions as me. It’s a big opportunity for me to tap into their knowledge and grow as a player.”

Daniel Kasende and Tiaan Swanepoel. Photo: Morgan Piek

He also mentioned that having Van der Westhuizen and Coetzee in the squad will help with his transition, although he is already familiar with many of his new teammates.

“I know Chucky and Aranos from Namibia, and there are also a few former Lions players, some from the Bulls, and even guys from Maties. So I actually know quite a few of the boys here, which makes things easier. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Van der Westhuizen, who captained Namibia at the World Cup, told OFM Sport that Swanepoel will definitely add value to the Cheetahs. “Yeah, it’s awesome. I got to know him when we played together for Namibia at the World Cup, and he really stepped up on the world stage. 

“He kicked really well, which is a big positive for us, and he also raises the level of competition in the squad. When there’s competition, everyone lifts their game, so having him here is definitely a good thing for us.”

Van der Westhuizen will also be leading the Cheetahs on the field on Friday in their SA Cup game against the Leopards – this match at the Toyota Stadium will kick off at 18:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Raegan Oranje, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Banie Britz, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Chucky van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Litha Nkula, 22 Ali Mgjima, 23 Michael Annies

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh