Frans Steyn will lead the Cheetahs’ high-performance strategy following the impending departure of CEO Rory Duncan.
The Cheetahs announced on Wednesday that Steyn, currently director of rugby, will lead efforts to combine their traditional attacking flair with modern systems designed to compete at the highest level.
The focus, according to the Bloemfontein-based union, is on improving technical structures while protecting what has long defined rugby in the Free State.
The 2026 campaign is seen internally as a launch pad – not only for results, but also for sustainability and succession planning. Central to this will be strengthening the Cheetahs’ reputation as one of South Africa’s leading talent developers, with a pathway that produces players capable of achieving success locally and abroad.
Free State Rugby also confirmed that Duncan will step down following a period of commercial stabilisation. The CEO will assist with the transition before taking on a new role as chief of staff at the Sharks.
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Duncan’s departure marks the end of an important administrative chapter, but the message from Bloemfontein is one of continuity and not unrest.
With two-time World Cup winner Steyn at the helm of rugby operations, the Cheetahs plan to evolve with the modern game while remaining true to the ‘Free State Way’ that has long underpinned their identity.
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
Simon Borchardt
www.sarugbymag.co.za