Former Springbok icon makes shock move into coaching
A former Springbok World Cup winner has made a surprise move into a key coaching role, and will be assisted by an ex-teammate.
Frans Steyn is one of the most well-known former Springbok stars, having been part of the successful 2007 World Cup campaign as a fresh-faced youngster before also winning the title in 2019 as one of the veterans of the team.
Besides an illustrious career with the Springboks, he also enjoyed an iconic domestic career with the Sharks, and overseas with French club Racing 92.
After a knee injury effectively forced him into retirement in 2023, it can’t be forgotten that the Cheetahs quickly announced the appointment of Steyn as their Director of Rugby.
It’s a role that he has served with aplomb, but it’s interestingly now been reported that he will coach the Cheetahs in a shake-up for the Currie Cup.
According to Rapport, Steyn will be head coach of the Cheetahs, and assisted by close friend and former Springboks scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar, who retired as a player in May last year.
Pienaar will be the backline coach, while ex-Bok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who also played for the Cheetahs, will take charge of the forwards after fulfilling his commitments with Shimlas in the Varsity Cup.
When Steyn took on the role as director of rugby, he stated: “I am excited to step into this new role. My initial focus will be to actively promote Cheetah rugby at school and junior level. I look forward to working closely with MJ Smith (COO) to elevate the rugby programme and build on the proud history of the Cheetahs.”
Life away from rugby for the former Springbok star
Steyn is also an avid outdoorsman, and has often spoken affectionately about the work and time he spends on the family farm in Bloemfontein.
The farm grows crops of maize and supports a dairy, and there was even speculation that the former Bok utility back might go into farming full-time after his retirement.
When it comes to his family life, Steyn is married to Linca, and they have three daughters.
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