Kings captain Howard Mnisi has officially departed the franchise for a move to the Cheetahs.

Rewind: When the Cheetahs shocked the Crusaders

Mnisi, who was part of the Kings’ leadership group for the 2019-20 season, had only joined the Port Elizabeth-based team last year.

The 30-year-old has previously played for the Lions and Griquas and will add plenty of experience to the Cheetahs’ midfield.

The Cheetahs have already recruited Springbok centre and two-time World Cup-winner Frans Steyn to bolster their backline, but are expected to lose Benhard Janse van Rensburg to Japan.

Meanwhile, Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar has defended his team’s performances in the Pro14 after the side was criticised by former Ireland hooker Keith Wood.

Wood, who earned over 50 Test caps for Ireland while also playing for Munster and Harlequins, appeared on the Off the Ball podcast where he question the point of the Pro12 expanding to the Pro14 to include the Cheetahs and the Kings.

The former Ireland captain said the South African franchises were a ‘waste of time’ before adding that he would like to see more games between British and Irish clubs.

Read the full story here: Pienaar hits back at Cheetahs critics

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