The Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd has announced that Ross van Reenen, appointed CEO on 1 December 2021, will conclude his three-year contract with the Cheetahs on 30 November 2024. Free State Rugby and Van Reenen will part ways amicably, following a tenure marked by notable challenges but also marked achievements for the Cheetahs franchise. 

Under van Reenen’s leadership, the Toyota Cheetahs reached the Currie Cup semi-final twice and claimed victory in the 2023 Currie Cup. His efforts also brought the Toyota Cheetahs back into international competition, securing participation in the EPCR Challenge Cup for four seasons. During his term, Free State Rugby proudly hosted two sold-out Springbok Test matches, one against Wales in 2022 and another against Portugal in 2024. 

Ross van Reenen’s bond with Free State Rugby dates back to his days as a player. As part of the team that defeated the All Blacks in 1976 and subsequently won the Currie Cup, van Reenen shares a deep connection with Free State Rugby. “The Free State has shaped me as a person and a professional. My closest friends are still former players. The Free State gave me the best years of my life, but being an academic at heart, I look forward to pursuing a PhD,” he said, adding that a new book may also be in the works. 

In addition to his work with Free State Rugby, van Reenen’s contribution to the rugby community includes founding the Toyota Academy in conjunction with Toyota SA. His bestselling book, From Locker Room to Boardroom —Converting Rugby Talent into Business Success, reflects his passion for developing future leaders. He has also been a dedicated lecturer to MBA students for over two decades and spent 35 years consulting for companies in the financial industry, locally and abroad. 

Free State Rugby sincerely thanks Ross van Reenen for his dedication and service and wishes him well in his future endeavours. 

Looking towards the future for the Cheetahs, Ryno Opperman, Chairman of the Board, said: “The journey over the last couple of years has been taxing, to say the least.  We are, however, really excited about what the future holds.  The Board of Directors will appoint an acting CEO from its own ranks in the interim and commence with a process to fill the position early in the new year. A lot of the plans that have been in the pipeline for a while are starting to fall into place.  The Cheetah supporters can look forward to interesting developments in the new year.”

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