Just In: Bulls star flyhalf joins Cheetahs

News reports that former Scotland international Jaco van der Walt has signed with the Bloemfontein-based franchise.

The 31-year-old brings vast experience from his stints with the Lions and Edinburgh, as well as four Test caps for Scotland.

He returned to South Africa in June 2023, but made just seven URC and four Champions Cup appearances for the Bulls.

Van der Walt’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the Cheetahs, who are short on flyhalf options with Tiaan Swanepoel sidelined following hip surgery. George Lourens has only just returned from injury, while Ethan Wentzel remains in rehabilitation.

Coach Frans Steyn said Van der Walt’s experience would be invaluable to the side.

At flyhalf we are a little bit thin … we need a proper flyhalf here,” he told OFM Sport. “Jaco has played at flyhalf for so long, and his experience will be a big boost.”

Van der Walt is finalising his visa and could feature when the Cheetahs face the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on 7 December, followed by a clash with Stade Français in Amsterdam.

World Rugby’s judicial panel chair, who has the responsibility over that process, is currently Christopher Quinlan KC, coincidentally the person who headed the hearing into Beirne’s red card.

Meanwhile, Joel Jutge is in charge of the refereeing side of it and Matfield has issues with both, particularly following the Ireland v All Blacks clash.

“Ireland gets a penalty, Jack Crowley goes over the mark, doesn’t kick the ball out, so it’s actually advantage for New Zealand but he calls him back to kick it again – it’s just crazy.

“We want to get momentum into the game, we want to get speed into the game and I thought the officiating just killed it.”