Franco to coach Cheetahs in 2016

In one of the worst kept secrets in recent history, Franco Smith has been given the Toyota Cheetahs coaching job for next year’s Vodacom Super Rugby series.


Smith, who led Shimlas to the Varsity Cup this year, was previously appointed as the Toyota Free State Cheetahs coach for the upcoming Absa Currie Cup series, but it was denied that he would also take over at the Cheetahs Super Rugby team.


On Friday the union announced the retirement of long-time coach Naka Drotske and welcomed Smith into the fold.


Ironically Drotske’s move comes after the Cheetahs sent him on a long “learning t…