The Free State Rugby Union was established in 1895 and since its inception has carved deep footprints in the landscape of South African rugby. Known for its unique brand of running rugby, the Cheetahs have grown on the hearts of all South African rugby lovers and rugby fans abroad. The Toyota Cheetahs are renowned for being everybody's “second favourite team” and this is reflected in the team’s viewership numbers and the growth in support base that the team has experienced over the past few years. 

Over recent years the Toyota Free State Cheetahs have become the domestic champions of South African rugby by winning the Currie Cup (South African Domestic Championship) on five occasions over the past 17 years. 

Vision of the Free State Cheetahs

We excel in a profitable organisation that is excited by playing a winning brand of rugby, loved and respected by all.

Mission

Our core business is to develop winning teams that will ensure that our supporters, sponsors and the broad community respect our endeavours.  We strive to adhere to the philosophy of Bill Walsh – “if we do all the right things to precision, the score will take care of itself”

We commit to

• Manage rugby in a professional manner on all levels   
• Delight and entertain our  loyal supporters through a total rugby experience 
• Respect and grow the legacy and heritage of the Cheetah brand   
• Optimize our assets and finance 

The Cheetah Way

Passionate – A rugby family that is passionate about the Cheetahs and give more than is expected

Professional – A the Cheetahs professional conduct is embraced by every staff member in every department

Performance – We perform optimally on and off the field

Humility – Knowing what meekness is not weakness

Accountability – Ownership for our business and rugby is visible in all our actions 

Innovative – A contemporary approach to business and rugby

Integrity – Impeccable and ethical conduct in relationships 

Owners and Directors

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• Free State Rugby consists of the Free State Rugby Union and the Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. 
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• The Union looks after amateur rugby in schools, clubs, women’s rugby, referees and other associations. 
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• The Cheetahs is a registered company and professional franchise in which the Union holds 75.5% of the shares and SuperSport 24.5%. The board consists of six Union-appointed, four SuperSport-appointed and two independent directors. There is a strong focus on sound corporate governance under the watchful eye of the independent Audit and Risk Committee made up of external financial and business experts.
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• Free State Ruby is accountable to SARU with several checks and balances. 

Free State Rugby Union:  Union Council

Free State Rugby Union:  Executive Committee 

Jerry Segwaba,  Coenraad Klopper, Charlie May, Pearl Lebusho, Selvyn Colby, Harold Verster, Francois Retief, Thembela Sibizo,

Fanie van Rooyen, Jan-Hendrik Cronje.

Members of the Executive Committee are elected by the Union Council

Free State Rugby Union:  Finance Committee 

Francois Retief (Chairman), Thembela Sibizo, Karien Potgieter 

Free State Rugby Union:  Disciplinary Committee 

Charles Dell  (Lovius Block, Convenor), Adv. Anton Roux  (Advocate Chambers), Adv. Jerry Morabe, 

Herklaas Venter (Lovius Block), Adrie Hechter  (Adrie Hechter Attorneys), Louis Radley  (Peyper & Sesele) 

Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd

Free State Cheetahs Board of Directors

Ryno Opperman (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Harold Verster, Jerry Segwaba, Coenraad Klopper, Charlie May, Marius van Rensburg, Graham Abrahams, Mohammed Essack;  Gideon Khobane, Marc Jury, Lou Niewoudt and Mzamo Ramoipone.  On invitation:  Gerhard Steyn, Karien Potgieter

Free State Cheetahs Management and Finance Committee

Ryno Opperman (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Harold Verster, Jerry Segwaba, Coenraad Klopper, Charlie May, Marius van Rensburg, Hawies Fourie

On invitation:  Karien Potgieter, Gerhard Steyn

Free State Rugby Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committee (Union & (Pty.) Ltd.)

Prof. Arrie Schoonwinkel (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Anton Botha, Coenraad Klopper, Kobus Laubscher, Jerry Segwaba, Lou Niewoudt.   On Invitation:  Harold Verster, Riaan Enslin, Gerhard Steyn, Connie Hertzog, Karien Potgieter

Free State Cheetahs Top Management

Harold Verster (Chairman), Justine Smith (Secretary), Hawies Fourie, Karien Potgieter, Piet de Necker, Randy September, Kobus le Roux, Elza Ferreira, Selvyn Colby, MJ Smith

Free State Cheetahs Transformation Committee

Jerry Segwaba (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Harold Verster, MJ Smith