Poached.

The Toyota Cheetahs have today confirmed that Head Coach Rory Duncan will be leaving the South African side at the end of the current PRO14 season. Duncan will be joining Worcester Warriors in Premiership.

Having won the Currie Cup as captain of the 2007 Free State Cheetahs team and serving as not only Director of Rugby, but also as head coach of the Currie Cup and Guinness PRO14 side, Duncan has been an vital part of the Toyota Cheetahs over last 4 years.

He has made a lasting impact not only on the filed but also in the boardroom. During his tenure as Director of Rugby Rory played an integral part in opening the doors for the Toyota Cheetahs in the northern hemisphere and has gone on to coach the team to eight victories thus far in the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14.

“We have great appreciation for what Rory has done for Free State Rugby over the last four years and we wish him well,” said Harold Verster, Manging Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd.

A new boss had already been lined up, with Franco Smith set to returns and coach the Cheetahs. Smith has decided to return full-time to the South African franchise and not to accept an offer to remain on the Springbok coaching staff.

He will be staying on as Director of Rugby and Head Coach for the next two seasons.