Hawies Fourie has been officially unveiled as the new Cheetahs head coach on Thursday, taking over from Italy-bound Franco Smith.

Fourie will adjust to his new surroundings, studying the Cheetahs’ culture and players, while Smith handles the upcoming Currie Cup season, before taking the reins in the Pro14 up until 2023.

Smith will be ending his 14-year coaching association with the Cheetahs, having started there in 2005, to take over from Conor O’Shea as Italian national coach.

Fourie was backline coach at the Cheetahs between 2007-14, before taking up a role with Maties’ Varsity Cup side following a short stint as Griquas head coach. He oversaw a resurgence in the Stellenbosch university’s fortunes, guiding the side to four successive finals and back-to-back-titles.

Photo: Luke Thorrold/Varsity Cup