Tighthead prop Robert Hunt is expected to leave the Free State after spending just over a year with the team, having joined from the Bulls.

Hunt, who hails from Hermanus in the Western Cape, will be heading to Wales, where he will link up with the Dragons.

Hunt has been a real standout for the Cheetahs, and together with loosehead prop Cameron Dawson, the duo had a similar impact to that of a ‘bomb squad’ for the team.

This is a big blow for the Cheetahs, who recently also lost the services of another tighthead prop, Laurence Victor.

Victor was released from his contract, and OFM Sport understands that he will be heading to the Cape to join the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington. He will once again play under Hawies Fourie, who originally brought him to the Cheetahs.

Hunt’s performances, particularly in the EPCR Challenge Cup, caught the eye, and for the hardman, the opportunity to play in Europe was a no-brainer.

He will continue to represent the Cheetahs for the remainder of the SA Cup before making his move ahead of the Currie Cup.

Earlier this week, the Cheetahs announced the signing of Tielman Nieuwoudt, who is predominantly a loosehead prop but is also capable of playing at tighthead.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport