Bloemfontein - The Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd announced on Tuesday that No 8 Junior Pokomela has committed to the Cheetahs for a further two seasons.

Pokomela, 21, made his PRO14 debut in September last year and played in 11 matches in the competition thus far.  

He further boasts two Super Rugby caps and four Currie Cup caps for the Bloemfontein-based franchise.

In 2016, Pokomela was selected as vice-captain of the Junior Springbok team and captained them in the playoff final against Argentina where he proved to be a standout player in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

Despite his leadership capabilities, Pokomela is known for his big ball carries as well as his defensive ability. At just over 1.9m tall he is also a great lineout option and his physical presence has definitely added value to the Cheetahs line-up.  

Pokomela putting pen to paper is the latest in a long list of recent signings made by the Cheetahs.

Last week, hooker Jacques du Toit and fullback Malcolm Jaer signed new deals, while in February eight players - centres William Small-Smith, Nico Lee and Lloyd Greeff, flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg, hooker Elandre Huggett, locks JP du Preez and Dennis Visser and utility forward Sibabalo Qoma - signed until 2019.

Captain Francois Venter however announced that he will join English club Worcester Warriors after the completion of the PRO14, joining coach Rory Duncan, who earlier also confirmed his departure to England.