Sharks snap up Cheetahs thumper

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The Sharks were thrilled to confirm the signing of a formidable loose-forward talent from the Free State Cheetahs for next season.

A former Junior Springbok skipper, the hulking George Cronje has put pen to paper on a deal to join the Sharks in 2023-24.

He joined the Cheetahs in 2020, after first making waves in France playing for Clermont Ferrand as one of the top loose forwards in 2019, and made his debut at just 19 years and 160 days old.

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However, the Grey College prodigy was sidelined for most of 2021 after knee surgery, before returning on 11 June, 2022 in a Currie Cup match against the Vodacom Bulls. He has featured prominently at No 8 for the Free Staters in this year’s competition.

“I really love the Free State but it’s an opportunity to test myself against the Springboks that are there [at the Sharks], learn from them, and get better,” the 21-year-old said.

His signing is the latest acquisition by the Durbanites after the announcement that flyhalf Siya Masuku and centre Diego Appollis will call the Shark Tank home from July.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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