Toyota Cheetahs thank departing players for their contribution

The Toyota Cheetahs thank the players leaving the team for their contribution to Free State Rugby and wish them success in the next chapter of their lives and rugby careers.

Among those departing is veteran tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee, who has decided to retire from professional rugby. Coetzee reached the remarkable milestone of 150 matches for the Toyota Cheetahs earlier this year and will end his career with 169 appearances for the team.

Coetzee has been a dependable front-row presence, earning respect for his scrummaging ability and experience.

Aranos also enjoyed a distinguished international career representing the country of birth, Namibia. He made his Test debut for Namibia in 2015 and represented the Welwitschias at three Rugby World Cups: England in 2015, Japan in 2019, and France in 2023.

The Toyota Cheetahs thank Aranos for his many years of service and dedication to the team. Everyone at Free State Rugby wishes him and his family all the best as he begins this new chapter beyond professional rugby.

Curtly Ambrose Thomas, Litha Nkula, and Christiaan van der Westhuizen will also leave the Toyota Cheetahs at the end of the month following the conclusion of their contracts, and Jandrè “Smiley” Nel will be joining the Airlink Pumas as he takes the next step in his rugby career. The team thanks all four players for their dedication and effort on and off the field.

Both Christiaan van der Westhuizen and Jandrè Nel came through the Toyota Academy. The  Toyota Cheetahs is proud to be a breeding ground of opportunity and believe in creating opportunities for players to develop and progress in their careers.

The Toyota Cheetahs appreciate their contributions and wish them every success as they embark on this new chapter.