According to reports doing the rounds this morning, the Cheetahs are desperate to keep the services of Juan Smith, even though the player has been linked with a move to French outfit Bayonne.
Smith has fully recovered from an Achilles injury that has sidelined him from rugby for two years, and according to Sport24.com, the player now has to decide whether he wants to continue his career on the softer grounds in France or whether he should risk another injury on the dry road that is called Bloemfontein Stadium.
Juan Smith was not included in the preliminary squad of 50 players announced last week, sparking a frenzy that the player has already made a decision, but according to reports, Smith is still to decide, taking into consideration his business interest in Bloemfontein.
According to rumours, Bayonne is not the only club after the flanker’s signature, with Bath also interested in signing the Springbok.

If I was Smith I’d go to France… the player is nearing the twilight of his career and he is very injury prone. If I was him I’d earn a few quick Euros whilst he still can.
Obviously I’d love him in the Bok set-up, but for his own sake he should make the move.
@CS (Comment 1) : Agreed
Why move cheetahs paid him for 2 years for doing nothing, if he’s injured I’m sure they will pay him for 2 more or even untill he “retires”.
He’s 31 and has been out of the game for almost two years.
If I was him I’d be on a plane and cashing in.
Anyone saw Matfield is the Bulls new forwards coach AND….wait for it……attack coach 😯