The Central Cheetahs is a South African Super rugby union franchise. It encompasses the Free State, Griffons, and Griquas Currie Cup unions.
Due to sponsorship reasons they are known in South Africa as the Cheetahs. They play home games at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein. The current Cheetahs captain is back-rower Juan Smith.
The Central Union were awarded the fifth South African franchise over the SEC franchise in April of 2005.
In their first Super 14 season the Cheetahs were coached by ex Springbok Rassie Erasmus and they did surprisingly well beating other established Super 12 teams in their Super 14 debut. Since that time they have started slipping.
Former Springbok Naka Drotske took over from Erasmus but his first two years in charge were difficult as the Cheetahs finished 13th and 14th.
Super 15 postions
2012 .. 10th
2011 .. 11th
Super 14 positions
2010 .. 10th
2009 .. 14th
2008 .. 13th
2007 .. 11th
2006 .. 10th
Super 12 positions
None