Cheetahs to get experienced centre back from France

NEWS: Centre Robert Ebersohn will be returning to Bloemfontein to play for the Cheetahs.

The 32-year-old will join the Cheetahs on August 1 and he is contracted until July 31, 2023.

Ebersohn currently plays for French club Beziers. The club currently plays in the second tier of French rugby, which is called the Pro D2.

Ebersohn and his twin brother, Sias, were a part of the famous Grey College class of 2007 which produced Cheetahs stalwarts such as Lappies Labuschagne (captain of Japan) and Coenie Oosthuizen (Springboks).

Both joined the Cheetahs straight after school in 2008.

Ebersohn played in over 100 matches for Free State and the Cheetahs until he left in 2013, and at that point, he was also the captain.

Ebersohn spent numerous years playing for both Montpellier and Castres in France.

In 2007, Ebersohn, represented the SA Schools team, and the following two years he played ten times for the Junior Springboks.

Between 2008 and 2011 he played in 12 matches for the Springbok Sevens teams.

Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie says he is delighted to have Ebersohn joining the team especially after the retirement of William Small-Smith.

"We are glad to be able to sign a quality player like Robert.

"He is still 32 years old, in good shape and playing really well in France, so we look forward to getting him back."

Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar believes that a player like Ebersohn is exactly what the team needs.

"Robert is truly one of the Free State legends who has had a wonderful career here at the Cheetahs.

"I know coach Hawies has spoken to him and he only had good things to say.

"He is a hard-working player and a leader. It’s something that I think we really need in that position along with a guy like Frans Steyn, if he is available for us.

"It’s also great to see former players return and being prepared to plough back into the union.

"We are really looking forward to his return."