William Small-Smith signs two year extension

Mar 20 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1617 Views • Comments Off on William Small-Smith signs two year extension

Free State Rugby is pleased to announce that utility back William Small-Smith extended his contract with the Toyota Cheetahs for another two years. He has committed to be playing for the Toyota Cheetahs until October 2021.

The talented midfielder has international experience receiving gold medals as part of the Springboks Sevens team and the Junior Springboks. Fast and with a proven ability to finish, Small-Smith’s real strength lies in his on-field organisational and leadership traits. His natural leadership on and off the field allows players around him to blossom and more of the same can be expected of this gifted midfielder.

Small-Smith has made 61 appearances for the Toyota Cheetahs so far (16 Currie Cup, 13 Super Rugby and 32 Guinness PRO14).

Commenting on his contract extension, William Small-Smith said:

“It was actually an easy decision to make. I moved to the Toyota Cheetahs to grow as a person and as a player and to get a lot game time and it was exactly what happened.”

“I’m really excited about the feature of Free State Rugby. I feel that the Toyota Cheetah team is still in early stages of the Guinness PRO 14 championship – it’s only our second season. I believe that we are a team who can really compete to win the competition in the next year or two.”

“We have a new group of players who are starting to become better with each game played.”

“I really believe that we have a bright future – not only with the Currie Cup not overlapping but also with PRO14 where we want to go from strength to strength.”

“It is a privilege for me extend my contract. I just want to keep contributing and keep doing what I can do to make the team better. The goal is to win any team at any time on any day.”

“I’m really excited about the next two years. I really feel fortunate to be able to do what I love. I hope that I can keep on contributing.”

Announcing the contract extension, the Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd said: “William is born leader with a natural feel for the game. He has an exceptional personality and a player who will always give everything for the cause he serves. He is 100% a Cheetah and we are delighted to have him for the next two years.

Career Stats:

Provincial career:

Debut in 2011 for Blue Bulls u.21 team

Currie Cup:

30 Currie Cup games in total, 7 tries and 2 conversions = 39 points (Blue Bulls and Cheetahs). Toyota Free State Cheetahs (2016-2018) – 16 games and 34 points.

Super Rugby:

Bulls (2014) – 7 games and 5 points. Toyota Cheetahs (2016-2017) -13 games, 5 points

Guinness Pro 14:

Toyota Cheetahs (2017-2018) -15 games and 26 points,

(2018-2019) -17 games and 15 points.