Franco Smith has been appointed as head coach of the Free State Cheetahs for their 2015 Currie Cup campaign.

Smith accepted a written offer from the union and will take over from Rory Duncan, who has been promoted to director of rugby.

The Cheetahs also rubbished speculation that Vodacom Super Rugby coach Naka Drotské would soon be sacked.

'We want to make it clear that Naka Drotské and his support staff will remain within their roles for the remainder of the current Super Rugby season. Any report stating otherwise is inaccurate. Drotské's contract with the union runs until the end of October 2016,' the statement said.

However, the union added that a press conference regarding Drotské's future would be held in due course.

Photo: Varsity Cup