TWO-TIME Rugby World Cup winner Frans Steyn is wasting no time in setting new standards for the Cheetahs as he prepares to make his professional coaching debut this season.
After missing out on the Currie Cup final last season and managing only one win from four matches in the Challenge Cup, he believes the Free State side has let supporters down and must now focus on eliminating inconsistencies.
“We did not perform as we should have. We let people down. That’s something we need to iron out,” Steyn said.
In a major shake-up, Steyn has taken coaching control of the Cheetahs, bringing in former Springbok teammates Ruan Pienaar and Tiaan Liebenberg to join him on the technical team.
This restructuring has seemingly led to the departure of Izak van der Westhuizen as head coach.
Further changes are expected, with incoming Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan set to arrive next week to continue reshaping the franchise.
As the team awaits confirmation of their participation in the 2025 SA Cup, Steyn’s plans have been bolstered by the return of several key players.
James Verity-Amm, sidelined since April due to a knee injury, is back in training, while teenage scrumhalf Christian van der Westhuizen returns as Ruben de Haas moves on loan to MLR club New Orleans Gold.
Steyn, known for his winning mentality and no-nonsense approach, is determined to usher in a new era for the Cheetahs – one where results will be expected rather than excused.
“We can’t keep making excuses,” the 37-year-old Steyn told Netwerk24.
“We’ve played in the SA Cup, the Currie Cup and then the Challenge Cup – we saw moments of good rugby here and there, but we must keep taking steps forward.”