The Cheetahs have approached Franco Smith with an offer to take over as head coach of their Currie Cup team. 

Chairman of the Free State Cheetahs company Ryno Opperman confirmed there had been discussions between the union and Smith and that a formal offer will be made in due course.

'In cooperation with Shimlas, we'll extend him with a written offer soon', Opperman told Volksblad newspaper.

Smith, who led Shimlas to their first Varsity Cup title earlier this year, is currently in Stellenbosch where he is coaching the Varsity Cup Dream Team to face the Junior Boks at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday night.

Rory Duncan coached the Cheetahs in last year's Currie Cup when Naka Drotské was in the UK visiting clubs with the intention of learning about the latest developments in coaching structures and rugby-related matters.

Photo: Varsity Cup