EP Kings prop Lizo Gqoboka, who received recognition earlier in May by being included in the Springbok training squads, will get a chance to prove his credentials at Super Rugby after EP Rugby reached a loan agreement with the Cheetahs.
The 25-year-old Kings player will link up with the Cheetahs after the central franchise suffered a number of front row injuries, requiring bolstering in this department from outside resources.
Gqoboka will train with the Cheetahs Super Rugby squad and could be included in the starting line-up for the match against the Lions when they clash in Bloemfontein on May 23.
"It was always our intention to retain our players for the Vodacom Cup this season, but now that our campaign is over, we welcome this opportunity for Lizo in a loan agreement with the Cheetahs," EP Rugby chief executive Charl Crous said.
Crous confirmed that the agreement was in place only for the remainder of the Super Rugby season, with Gqoboka returning to the Kings for the start of the Currie Cup in August.
Gqoboka, who has not played Super Rugby, said he was thrilled to receive this opportunity to experience the southern hemisphere competition.
"I was really only expecting to first play Super Rugby next year (when the Southern Kings return to the competition), so this has come early and it is a dream come true for me,” Gqoboka said. "I am looking forward to joining the Cheetahs and will continue to work hard to prove myself."
Early this month Gqoboka's standing in the national pecking order was shown when he became the only player from a non-Super Rugby franchise to be included in the Springbok training squads. He took part in the training camp from May 3-6 and will also attend the next Bok squad training camp from May 31-June 3.
"That was such a great experience for me,” Gqoboka said of the camp. "I learnt so much from the guys and all about the Springbok culture, so it really has been an exciting month for me."
