The former Griquas and Bulls outside back James Verity-Amm is looking to impress at the Toyota Cheetahs where is currently undergoing trials.
The Kroonstad-born Verity-Amm has been in the domestic rugby wilderness for a couple of years, but he has previously also represented the Western Force and the Brumbies in the handful of Super Rugby games.
While he is still on trial, he has already impressed at the team and he will most likely become a contracted player.
Verity-Amm told OFM Sport that the Cheetahs brand suits his style of play.
“It’s very lekker and I’ve enjoyed the environment so far at the Cheetahs,” said Verity-Amm.
“It’s been very welcoming and the vibe has been upbeat. It’s just nice to be back in South Africa and have an opportunity to play.
“The Cheetahs are famous for playing a nice and expensive brand of rugby by getting offloads going hand stuff like that. That’s exactly what I like to do, so I’m hoping to fit like a glove and excited to get started.”
The Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, in turn told OFM Sport that it took no time for Verity-Amm to impress them.
“I think it took us all of 30 minutes to see that he is a proper player. He can definitely play – he’s got quick feet, accelerates off the mark very very quickly, shifts direction, has got good hands and he sees space.
“We’re very excited about the way that he plays.”
In addition to Verity-Amm, the former Bulls centre and scrumhalf, Marco Janse van Vuren, is also at the Cheetahs, although he didn’t train on Tuesday.
The former Grey College duo of Sisonke Vumazonke and Barnie Britz are also at the Cheetahs on contract. The pair joined the Lions and Sharks respectively straight after school, but their careers were in limbo.
Vumazonke made history a couple of years ago in matric by becoming the first player of colour to captain the Grey College 1st XV.
Meanwhile, on Saturday the Cheetahs will tackle the Griquas in Jacobsdal in a SA Cup warm-up game.
Morgan Piek
