Frans Steyn will spearhead the Cheetahs’ high-performance strategy following the pending departure of CEO Rory Duncan.
The Cheetahs announced on Wednesday that Steyn, currently director of rugby, will lead efforts to blend their traditional attacking flair with modern systems designed to compete at the highest level.
The focus, according to the Bloemfontein-based union, is on upgrading technical structures while protecting what has long defined rugby in the Free State.
The 2026 campaign is being viewed internally as a launchpad — not just for results, but for sustainability and succession planning. Central to that is reinforcing the Cheetahs’ reputation as one of South Africa’s leading talent developers, with a pathway that produces players capable of succeeding locally and abroad.
Free State Rugby also confirmed that Duncan will step down after overseeing a period of commercial stabilisation. The CEO will assist with the transition before taking up a new role as chief of staff at the Sharks.
Duncan’s departure marks the end of a significant administrative chapter, but the message from Bloemfontein is one of continuity rather than upheaval.
With double World Cup winner Steyn at the helm of rugby operations, the Cheetahs intend to evolve with the modern game while staying true to the “Free State Way” that has long underpinned their identity.
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
The post Frans to do it the ‘Free State Way’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Frans Steyn will spearhead the Cheetahs’ high-performance strategy following the pending departure of CEO Rory Duncan.
The post Frans to do it the ‘Free State Way’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
