HS All American and USA U20 scrumhalf Ruben de Haas is in Free State in South Africa working out with the Cheetahs Academy, and he made his game debut this weekend for the Cheetahs U19s against Eastern Province U19s in Bloemfontein. 

De Haas, who played with the Little Rock Junior Stormers and captained the HSAA team, was on the bench for the Cheetahs Academy Saturday (he is pictured above left with the scrumhalf starter  Rewan Kruger). He said it was difficult to try to make an impact since he joined the program late.

De Haas Joins Cheetahs Academy

"Things are going great," he told FloRugby. "The toughest part was to come in late into the squad, since there were already established number 9s contracted. I had to learn the systems and that took some time. The players are at a different level, too, as far as skill, physicality and conditioning is concerned."

The Cheetahs have been around for 122 and have a long and proud tradition. 

"It was a big moment to put the jersey on for the first time," said de Haas. The Cheetahs are now 2-1 and are still trying to catch the 3-0 Lions at the top of the standings, as well as 2-0 Western Province. Next up will be the 1-2-1 Leopards.

"We are 3rd, so it's going to get tougher from here on in," said de Haas.

The Cheetahs men play in the Currie Cup in South Africa, and announced last week that they will leave Super Rugby and be part of the new South African contingent to the Pro 14, which started out as the Celtic Cup in Ireland and Scotland, and now crosses both hemispheres.

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