The 25-year-old loosehead prop, who can also cover tighthead, joined the Bulls straight after finishing school at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

In 2019, Nieuwoudt cemented his place in South African schools’ rugby folklore with a remarkable try-saving tackle on Cade Croy of Paul Roos during the famous ‘51 Shades of Grey’ match at the Markötter Field in Stellenbosch. The tackle led to a turnover, allowing outside back Franco Knoetze to run the length of the field to score. Grey College went on to win that match 51–28.

Nieuwoudt will be joining the Cheetahs after tighthead prop Laurence Victor was released from his contract with the union in recent days.

The mobile front-rower told OFM Sport that he’s thrilled to return to where it all began for him, and he is eager to get more game time.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the Cheetahs,” said Nieuwoudt.

“I’m also grateful for my time at the Bulls, where I was able to grow and develop my game over the past few years. I’ll always appreciate that experience – I’m the player I am today because of what I learned during that time, and the Bulls played a big part in that.

“Hopefully, by coming back to the Cheetahs, I can contribute to the team, get more game time, and continue improving. One of the most important things for me now is just to get a few games under the belt, start playing regularly again, and keep getting better as a player – that’s what I strive for every day.

“I’m more of a loosehead, but I can cover tighthead when needed. I’m also really looking forward to working with Coach Tiaan Liebenberg and the rest of the coaching staff. I had a bit of exposure to coach Tiaan when I was at Grey – he came in to assist with the First Team back then.

Tielman Nieuwoudt (left) in action for the Bulls against the Cheetahs in the 2022 Curie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I know how he works and what he expects of me, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Nieuwoudt is the second major signing by the Cheetahs in the past week. On Thursday, the union confirmed they had signed two-time Varsity Cup Player of the Year, Ntokozo Makhaza, from the UCT Ikeys. The winger will join the Cheetahs later this year, once he has completed his studies in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, on Saturday at 15:00 the Cheetahs will tackle the Valke at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in a must-win SA Cup round 7 game.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg