The Toyota Cheetahs tighthead prop, Aranos Coetzee, will be heading to England where he will be playing for Bath in the English Premiership.
The Namibian international will playing for Bath on a loan deal as a replacement for D’Arcy Rae of Scotland, who is out injured.
Due to his commitments at Bath – who are now coached by the former Springbok assistant coach, Johann van Graan – Coetzee will miss out on the Toyota Challenge that will be played in Bloemfontein against teams yet to be confirmed.
He will however be back at the Cheetahs for their return to Europe when they play in the European Challenge Cup from December.The CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, Ross van Reenen, confirmed that Coetzee will only lend a helping hand.
“Aranos is still under contract at the Cheetahs and will be providing a backup while Bath’s tighthead is currently rehabilitating from injury. The Free State Cheetahs are glad to allow him to play in the English Premiership.”
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Cheetahs will face Section Paloise of Pau in their opening game of the Challenge Cup. This match will be played on the weekend of 9 to 11 December in Pau, which is in the South-West of France.
It will be the first time in history that the Cheetahs play in France. The Cheetahs themselves will be based in Italy for the tournament and their home games against Section Paloise and Scarlets of Wales will be played in Treviso. – MORGAN PIEK
