South African rugby franchise the Toyota Cheetahs extended flank Oupa Mohoje’s contract until May 2021.
In a statement released on Monday, the Cheetahs said Mohoje’s leadership and experience is “invaluable” to the team.
Mohoje has been with the Bloemfontein-based outfit since 2013 and has made 78 appearances for the team. The 29-year-old has played 39 times in Super Rugby, 23 times in the Currie Cup games and 16 in the Guinness PRO14.
Mohoje was named team captain for the 2018/2019 Guinness PRO14 season but he missed practically most of the season through a serious knee injury when playing against Irish side Munster.
“It is a privilege and honour for me to stay at the Cheetahs and I can’t wait to play my first game. As they say, home is where the heart is,”Mohoje said.
The Cheetahs also welcomed back lock Reniel Hugo Cheetahs following his stint for Japanese Top League outfit Toyota Verblitz.
Hugo is expected to join the team at the start of July on a two-year contract.
Hugo joined Verblitz in 2018 but struggled to get sufficient playing time in Japan.
The 29-year-old, who has also represented both Western Province and the Blue Bulls at senior level, first joined the Cheetahs in 2015.
Hugo has won the Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition, and was one of the team’s best players in its maiden Guinness PRO14 campaign.
Hugo said he was excited to be joining up with the team again and playing in the PRO14.
“Really looking forward to this new challenge and chapter in my life. I’m excited to get going and hopefully, we can get to playing rugby again, sooner rather than later.”
The retention of Mohoje and addition of Hugo will be welcome news for Cheetahs fans ahead of the scheduled resumption of the Guinness PRO14 season in August.
