Since its inception the Free State Rugby Union was established in 1895 and has carved deep footprints in the landscape of South African rugby. Known for its unique brand of running rugby, the Cheetahs have grown in the hearts of all South African rugby lovers and 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.
We excel in a profitable organisation that is excited by playing a winning brand of rugby, loved and respected by all.
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
Passionate – A rugby family that is passionate about the Cheetahs and gives more than is expected
Professional – The Cheetah's professional conduct is embraced by every staff member in every department.
Performance – We perform optimally on and off the field
Humility – Knowing that meekness is not a 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
President | Coenraad Klopper |
Deputy President | Mpho Sekulisa |
Deputy President | Jan-Hendrik Cronje |
Coaches Association | Hennie Coetzee |
Collegians | Eugene Maddocks |
Crusaders | Barry Jacobus |
High Schools Association | Corne Erasmus |
Primary Schools Association | Wesley Wheeler |
Old Grey's | Michael Groenewald |
Free State Sub-Union | Jan Schmidt |
Free State Sub-Union | Bruce Samson |
Police | Ronnie Bester |
Mangaung | Biko Mogotsi |
Referees Association | Darren Colby |
Steyners | Leon Pienaar |
Central University of Technology | Lou Nieuwoudt |
Free State University | Marius van Rensburg |
Women's Association | Me Mapule Manyena |
Bloemfontein Defence Force | Pieter de Necker |
Lifelong Members | Prof Basie Verster, Harold Verster & Gerrit Coetzer |
Coopted Member | Charlie May |
CEO: Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd | Ross van Reenen |
General Manager: Free State Rugby Union | Selvyn Colby |
Free State Rugby Union: Executive Committee
Coenraad Klopper, Me Mpho Sekulisa, Jan-Hendrik Cronje, Hennie Coetzee, Eugene Maddocks, Ronnie Bester, Darren Colby, Lou Nieuwoudt, Charlie May.
Selvyn Colby, Ross van Reenen.
The Union Council elects members of the Executive Committee
Lou Niewoudt (Chairman), Jerry Segwaba, Charlie May, Conraad Klopper and Anien van Jaarsveld
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 Board of Directors
Ryno Opperman (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Jerry Segwaba, Coenraad Klopper, Charlie May, Marius van Rensburg, Lou Niewoudt. On invitation: Anien van Jaarsveld. CEO: Ross van Reenen.
Free State Cheetahs Management and Finance Committee
Ryno Opperman (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Ross van Reenen Jerry Segwaba, Coenraad Klopper, Charlie May, Marius van Rensburg, Hawies Fourie.
On invitation: Anien van Jaarsveld
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: Ross van Reenen, Connie Hertzog, Anien van Jaarsveld
Free State Cheetahs Top Management
Ross van Reenen (Chairman), MJ Smith (COO), Justine Smith (GM), Anien van Jaarsveld, Ronel Pienaar, Moyise Bacela, Piet de Necker, Selvyn Colby.
Free State Cheetahs Transformation Committee
Jerry Segwaba (Chairman), Justine Smith (secretary), Ross van Reenen, MJ Smith