Rory Duncan will replace Franco Smith as the Free State Cheetahs coach in the 2017 domestic competition.

The Cheetahs have confirmed that its board of directors have appointed Duncan as the new head coach in light of Smith's appointment as one of the Springbok assistant coaches. 

MJ Smith, who will be head coach of the Free State XV in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, and of the U21 side, has been named as Duncan's assistant for the Currie Cup. 

The 39-year-old Duncan was head coach of the Free State Cheetahs side in 2014. 

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