Many things in Ireland are different from those in South Africa – just think of the weather, the greenery and the abundance of water and electricity – but there is one thing that both Irish and South Africans love: rugby.

It’s wonderful to see the passion for the sport here. If Ireland plays against another team in the Six Nations, every pub is a hive of activity. And everyone shouts at the top of their voices when points are scored.

But it’s not just the international games that are so popular. The Pro14 is at the top of many Irishmen’s list of favourite rugby matches to watch. Everywhere in Ireland, the stadiums are packed between 60% and 80% for these matches.

For us South Africans and loyal Cheetahs supporters, it is obviously a highlight when the guys in the orange jerseys run on the field. We are a group of friends who started a Cheetahs fan club in Dublin together. And wherever the Cheetahs play on the island, there we are.

Since September 2018, at least 10 of us have been watching the Cheetahs against the local teams here in Ireland: for Munster in Limerick, for Connacht in Galway, for Leinster in Dublin and for Ulster in Belfast. No rain, wind or storm will stop us! What is even more important, is being together and the fact that it’s a South African team coming to play here in Ireland.

Just because we’re supporting the Cheetahs in Ireland doesn’t mean all of us are full-fledged fans. But let’s be honest: Even though many of us usually scream for the WP or the Bulls, the Cheetahs are everyone’s second team.

Although we are completely in the minority at the games, we leave our mark – on the other fans as well as the players. We make such a noise – the hoarse voices the next day show that we have brought our side. And afterward, we always chat with the Cheetah players and take photos with them. They are more than willing to spend some time with us. The other fans are also very accommodating and always want to know if we feel welcome and how they can make our time even more enjoyable.

Although the Cheetahs’ matches in Ireland finished for the 2019/20 season, we are already making plans for the next Pro14 season that starts in September. Hopefully one of these days we will get a win here in Ireland – even if it rains and the wind blows us away.

For more information, join our Facebook group Cheetahs Rugby Ireland Fan Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/336020657260590/), or go to the web page of the Free State Cheetahs (http://www.fscheetahs.co.za/news/join-the-cheetahs-family-in-ireland-20190314) to read more about us.

Also, read a post about us on OFM and in Bloemfontein Courant (https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za/the-0-5-1-never-leaves-you/).