Rory Duncan when he was the Cheetahs coach in 2018. (Huw Evans Agency/Gallo Images)

  • Free State rugby stalwart Rory Duncan has been named the new CEO of the Bloemfontein franchise.
  • Duncan brings extensive experience as both a player and a coach, having represented and coached the Cheetahs, and leading Worcester Warriors in England.
  • Duncan will aim to secure the Cheetahs’ long-term sustainability, enhance their international participation, and nurturing young talent.
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Former Cheetahs lock and coach Rory Duncan has been appointed as the new CEO of the Bloemfontein franchise.

He replaces Ross van Reenen, who completed his three-year stint in November 2024.

Duncan, 47, represented the Cheetahs as a player from 2006-2008 and he also played for the Sharks, EP Kings and Yamaha Jubilo in Japan.

He coached the Cheetahs from 2014-2018 and was at the helm during their first PRO14 season in 2017/18. He also coached Worcester Warriors in England from 2018-2020.

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Duncan’s appointment was ratified by the Cheetahs board, with Free State Rugby Union president Coenraad Klopper and Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd board chairman Ryno Opperman at the helm.

“Rory has an established track record in the rugby world and is currently busy completing his MBA at the Warwick Business School in the UK,” the board said in a statement. “We have full confidence in his leadership and look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Opperman, himself a former Cheetahs lock, welcomed the homecoming of a Free State stalwart.

“As a player, Rory captained the Cheetahs to Currie Cup victory in 2017, and he played an instrumental role in negotiating the team’s participation in northern hemisphere rugby, in the PRO14 after exclusion from Super Rugby. He now returns in a leadership capacity to steer the franchise towards a sustainable future. We are excited to support him on this journey,” Opperman said.

Duncan said his focus would be on securing long-term sustainability for the franchise, strengthening the Cheetahs’ competitiveness and participation in the international rugby arena and growing young talent in the province.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed as CEO of the Free State Cheetahs. The Free State has played a significant role in shaping me as both a person and a professional. I’m looking forward to working with our team to create a brand once again loved and cherished by supporters,” Duncan said.

Src: News24.com