Lock Reniel Hugo is poised to return to the Cheetahs following a two-year stint at Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

According to radio station OFM, the 29-year-old Hugo has confirmed his move back to South Africa and his former team in particular.

Hugo, who departed from the Cheetahs in 2018, said he made the decision because he was given limited game time at Verblitz due to the team being suspended from the Japanese Top League last year and because the Covid-19 pandemic halted the season early this year.

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‘I am really looking forward to coming back to the Cheetahs. I had some really fond memories while I was there in Bloemfontein,’ Hugo told OFM. ‘I am excited to be joining up with the team again and playing in the PRO14.’

‘It’s going to be nice to play with Carl. We formed a close bond over the years. When we were playing in Japan we actually spoke about it being nice if we were able to play together again in South Africa, and now there is another chance for us.

‘It is also going to be nice to work with Hawies Fourie, Corniel van Zyl and the rest of the guys. I’m 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.’

Hugo will link up with the Cheetahs squad on 1 July.

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