Lock Francois Uys has been named Cheetahs captain for the 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby season, with scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius as his vice-captain.

Uys, who has signed on with the Cheetahs until October 2016, will take over from the departed Adriaan Strauss. The move comes as a surprise with Springboks Heinrich Brüssouw and Oupa Mohoje also in the running, along with Willie Britz.

The 28-year-old has been with the union since 2009 and after struggling to make an impact initially, he has become a regular during their last two Super Rugby campaigns.

Pretorius will serve as his deputy despite taking up an offer to join the Newport Gwent Dragons at the conclusion of the season.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images