The Cheetahs have announced the signing of veteran prop Schalk Ferreira on a two-year deal.

Ferreira, who turns 37 years old in 11 days’ time, previously turned out for Western Province, the Stormers, Eastern Province, Southern Kings and Toulouse in France, but has been out of contract for the past 10 months.

Commenting on his move to the Cheetahs, the former Kings captain says he made the decision to join the Bloemfontein side because he wants to win trophies.

‘I did sign a two-year contract at the Cheetahs. My family and I are feeling massively glad and very blessed at this moment,’ he said.

‘I trained for ten months with not knowing whether or not there will be another year or two in my rugby career, but I did live my life as if there would be.

‘The next two years will be massively important to me. I still want a bite of the apple, and I still feel that I have a lot to give, and my body does still feel really good.’

‘I told coach Hawies [Fourie] that I want to compete for cups again and I think that the Free State is going to give it.

‘I know a couple of the guys that I played with before. A couple of the senior guys like Ruan [Pienaar] and Frans [Steyn]. I am just really excited to be a part of the Cheetahs and the culture of the team.

‘Even my family is looking forward to it. My little boy is going to grade one now and my wife has a couple of friends up there in Bloemfontein.’

Ferreira will link up with the Cheetahs squad on Wednesday, 3 February, for the start of the preseason.

Photo: Gallo Images