Utility back Frans Steyn has revealed his primary goals are to make a valuable contribution and a positive impact on the field when he returns to the Cheetahs.

After a seven-year spell abroad, Steyn has agreed to a deal with the Cheetahs and will join the side from 1 July.

Speaking to Netwerk24, Steyn gave insight into what he wants to do and achieve both in an individual and team context during what will arguably be the last professional stint of his decorated career.

‘I’m very excited about joining the Cheetahs. I must admit that I’m really looking forward to playing my rugby in Bloemfontein. I just want to express myself on the field and make an actual contribution and difference [to the team],’ Steyn said.

Steyn had previously played for Grey College and subsequently all his age-grade rugby for Free State, but later joined the Sharks, Racing 92  (France), Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan) and ultimately Montpellier (France).

But the 32-year-old says even if his return is 15 years after he last lived in Bloemfontein, he had always felt somehow connected to the city and the Cheetahs.

‘It was never easy playing against the Cheetahs. They always had a good spirit, which I observed when playing against them, but that was long ago. Hopefully that is still the case.’

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Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie added that he was thrilled at the prospect of working with a two-time World Cup winner, who brings with him invaluable and much-needed experience.

‘It’s feels so good knowing that a player like Frans signed for us and that we’ll have a player of his calibre in our team,’ Fourie said.

‘It’s important for me to have experienced players in vital positions. He’s a versatile player, but his best position is centre or flyhalf and that’s where I’d like to see him feature.’

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Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images