Cheetahs lock Francois Uys has been released for a short stint with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

Uys will return to the Cheetahs in time for the start of the 2016 Super Rugby season, with the Free State side kicking off their campaign against new Argentinian team, the Jaguars, on 26 February.

The 29-year-old is one of the obvious contenders to captain the Cheetahs next year, having taken on the leadership role during the 2015 season.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix