Three key players from the Cheetahs have joined Vodacom URC club Ospreys on a short-term loan, as part of a player development partnership between the teams.
Winger Daniel Kasende, hooker Marnus van der Merwe and scrumhalf Rewan Kruger will experience a different competition, style of play, and gain invaluable exposure with the Welsh club.
The inter-club deal will help reinforce the both squads, as Ospreys players will also have the opportunity to join Cheetahs, benefiting from the experience gained playing alongside the Currie Cup winners in South Africa.
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Cheetahs Rugby. The partnership will create opportunities to reinforce our squad at critical periods of the season, improve our ability to manage injury and player load whilst contributing to our on field performances,” Ospreys general manager, Dan Griffiths said.
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“We are also excited to work with the Cheetahs to explore rugby and life experiences for our talented developing players. In challenging times we have to be innovative in our approach and our relationship with the Cheetahs is one of the ways we are driving that ambition.”
Cheetahs CEO Ross van Reenen added: “The new player development partnership between us and the Ospreys is an exciting new opportunity not only for both teams, but the sport as a whole and we’re excited to be leading the way. The partnership opens a platform for shared skills and learnings across cultures and styles to help build the development of both teams.”
The Cheetahs will take part in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup as an invitational side. They will face Zebre and the Sharks in December, before taking on French teams Pau and Oyonnax in January.
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