USA Eagles scrumhalf Ruben de Haas is excited at the prospect of developing his game at the Cheetahs.

The 19-year-old was born in George, South Africa, with his family immigrating to Arkansas in 2009. After finishing his schooling at Jessieville High, he represented the USA at U19 and U20 levels, as well as the USA Selects composite side.

De Haas joined the Cheetahs Academy in 2017 after signing a three-year deal. He played for CUT in the Varsity Cup and for Free State in the Provincial Rugby Challenge this year. He made his Test debut for the Eagles in June, featuring in all three of their matches against Russia, Scotland and Canada.

After returning to Bloemfontein, De Haas was included in the Cheetahs’ senior squad that will be utilised across the Currie Cup and Pro14 competitions.

Tian Meyer, Shaun Venter and Rudy Paige are all ahead of him in the No 9 pecking order, but with two of them set for Pro14 duty and a third likely to start in the Currie Cup, De Haas could well find himself as scrumhalf cover in the domestic tournament.

‘Talking about the abundance of nines, yes, there are a lot of scrumhalves, but for me, the biggest thing is to be around those guys like Rudy, Tian and Shaun,’ De Haas told OFM.

‘As a young player learning from those guys every day, taking their tips and just being around them in a high-rugby environment will be my goal for the next two years, to learn what I can every day from the senior guys in order for me to be the best that I can be.’

The Cheetahs kick off their Currie Cup campaign against the Blue Bulls on 17 August, followed by an away clash against Western Province. Their third Currie Cup game, against the Sharks on 1 September, coincides with their Pro14 opener against Munster.

Photo: Desire Fornell Miller/www.florugby.com