Saturday’s game against DHL Western Province will be Robert Ebersohn’s 100^th match for the Toyota Cheetahs. 

Ebersohn joined the Toyota Cheetahs straight after school and made his debut in 2008 at the age of 19 against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. “I still remember my first game. Meyer Bosman went off the field for blood, and I came on for 5 minutes,” Robert recalls.

Robert earned 72 caps for the Free State side and was captain in 10 games before he moved to France in 2013, where he played 54 games for Montpellier, 97 for Castres, and 24 for Beziers.

He returned to South Africa in 2021 and played 27 games for the Toyota Cheetahs (6 x Toyota Challenge, 4 x EPCR Challenge Cup and 17 x Currie Cup), bringing his total to 99.

During the Toyota Cheetahs media conference, Ebersohn shared how privileged he is to have accomplished this milestone.

“I enjoy being here at the Cheetahs. I enjoy the games and even training sessions during the week, where we have fun and make a joke with friends. Some memories stand out, but rugby has been a big part of my life.”

“I’m very honoured and excited to reach this milestone and to be able to share this with my family. For me, it’s just a special moment. It’s like a childhood dream come true.”

Ebersohn shares how he always knew that one day, he would reach this stage in his career.

“I still remember the day when my dad took me and my twin brother, Sias, to the stadium to watch our first Cheetah game. Playing 100 caps for the Toyota Cheetahs in Toyota Stadium is special to me.”   

“It’s been a long career - 15 years! When I started in 2008, I left in 2013 and came back two years ago, so it has been a while. I will always play to win.” Robert Ebersohn concluded.

Robert Ebersohn was the captain of the SA u.20 side and represented the Junior Springboks in 10 matches in 2008 and 2009. He played in 11 tournaments for the Blitzboks between 2008 and 2012  the Blitzboks.

 Robert played in 59 games for the Central Cheetahs. The Central Cheetahs was a franchise comprising of the Free State Cheetahs, Griffons and Griquas.