Despite interest from other rugby clubs, Ox Nche has decided to extend his contract with the Cheetahs.

The Bloemfontein fan favourite, who earned his Springbok cap against Wales in June this year has committed until 2019.

Nche was born in Thaba Nchu, he first earned provincial selection in 2011, when he was included in the Free State squad that participated at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Queenstown. Nche attended HTS Louis Botha and soon became a promising prop. He played for SA Schools in 2012/13, SA U20 in 2015 and SA A in 2017.

In 2014 he joined the Cheetahs Academy and was a key player for the Free State U19 team in the Provincial Championship, starting all thirteen of their matches in the competition as his side finished second on the log.

At the age of 22, Nche already played 64 games for the Toyota Cheetahs (25 SuperRugby, 17 Currie Cup, 22 PRO14).

Nche brings excitement to a game and Free State Rugby are looking forward to seeing him in action in the upcoming matches.

Rory Thornton joins Cardiff on a year-long loan deal 

In other PRO14 news, Rory Thornton has agreed to join Cardiff Blues on a year-long loan deal from Ospreys.

The 23-year old second row, who signed a new deal with the Ospreys earlier this year, will link up with his new colleagues at Wales Capital Region next week to prepare for the coming season.

Thornton saw his game time limited last season, injury restricting him to just four appearances.

Following discussions between both regions and national team management, it was agreed that the former Wales Under-20s captain will make the temporary move up the M4 to allow him the best opportunity to get more game time under his belt and to assist his international ambitions going into a Rugby World Cup year.

Speaking about the move, Thornton said:

“I need to be playing rugby and Cardiff need a line out forward so this is a great outcome for everyone. It’s a good move for me in the circumstances and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad next week and preparing for an important season.

“I’m grateful to the Ospreys for supporting me like this and also to Cardiff Blues for giving me the opportunity.”