Hawies Fourie is expected to be unveiled as the new Cheetahs head coach on Thursday following the departure of Franco Smith to Italy.

Fourie, who has been serving as Maties head coach since 2016, was reportedly on a shortlist of candidates for the role said to include the likes of Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse and Vodacom Bulls forwards coach Daan Human, as well as current Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.

SARugbymag.co.za understands that Fourie has won the race and is expected to be appointed as the new Pro14 coach when the announcement is made on Thursday.

Fourie has previously served at the Bloemfontein franchise as their backline coach under Naka Drotské between 2007-14.

After a short stint as Griquas head coach, he left for Maties, where he has helped the university re-establish itself as the top team in the Varsity Cup, guiding them to four successive finals and winning back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.

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