Rory Duncan will take over as head coach of the Cheetahs during this season's Currie Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, current head coach Naka Drotské will be sent to the UK on a fact-finding mission. He will return for the Cheetahs' 2015 Super Rugby campaign, but not before he has visited a number of overseas clubs with the intention of learning about the latest developments in coaching structures and rugby-related matters.

Duncan will be assisted by former Springboks Os du Randt and Franco Smith. Duncan, who captained the Cheetahs when they last won the Currie Cup in 2007, coached the Free State XV to the quarter-finals in this year's Vodacom Cup.

His position as the U21 coach will be filled by Smith's brother MJ, while it remains to be seen where he will fit in upon Drotské's return next season.

Photo: Anne Laing/HSMimages