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Ruben de Haas is heading back to South Africa. The US Eagles scrumhalf will depart English Premiership side Saracens after signing a two-year deal with the Cheetahs beginning in July of this year. He will first return stateside for a short-term deal in Major League Rugby.
It’s the second stint with the Cheetahs for de Haas, who was part of the Bloemfontein-based side’s senior squad from 2018 through 2021. During that time he suited up in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, Super Rugby Unlocked, and the Currie Cup.
Across his two campaigns with Saracens the 24-year-old has made a dozen Premiership appearances including his first start this past weekend. He also participated in three European matches and five Premiership Rugby Cup games.
The Cheetahs are no longer part of the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro 14) but competed in the European Challenge Cup this past year, and are in talks to do so again next season. They remain in the Currie Cup and are set to confirm a four-game series against the Western Force starting in late August.
It has not been publicly revealed which MLR side de Haas has signed for yet, but the team is expected to be a playoff contender. He previously spent time with the Austin Gilgronis during the 2021 season on a similar short-term deal. MLR rules stipulate that players must appear in four regular season matches to be eligible for selection in the postseason.
