The Toyota Cheetahs proudly celebrate a significant milestone this Friday as Carl Wegner runs out for his 100th match in the orange jersey when the Toyota Cheetahs take on the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in their SA Cup clash.
Born and bred in the Free State and a proud Grey College alumnus, Wegner embodies the heart and resilience of Free State rugby. He made his professional debut for the Toyota Cheetahs on 8 September 2012 against Western Province in Bloemfontein, the beginning of a journey that would see him become one of the union’s most respected stalwarts.
Although his career took him abroad to broaden his experience, representing Stade Français in France (2012–2014), Toyota Verblitz in Japan (2018–2020), and Benetton Rugby in Italy (2021–2023), Wegner’s loyalty to his roots remained unwavering. Time and again, he returned to Bloemfontein, bringing with him invaluable international experience and leadership.
The 35-year-old lock’s 100 appearances span multiple competitions, including 24 SuperRugby games, 31 Currie Cup matches, 10 SA Cup games, 10 EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures, 11 Guinness PRO14 matches, five Toyota Challenge games, four Super Rugby Unlocked matches and four Franchise Cup encounters. Charl further represented the Central Cheetahs in 16 matches (2013-2015). Across competitions and seasons, Wegner has been a pillar of consistency, physicality and professionalism.
Carl Wegner is the definition of a Toyota Cheetahs stalwart, a player who leads through action, inspires through work ethic, and represents the badge with pride.
Rugby excellence runs deep in the Wegner family. His late father, Callie Wegner, a former Free State hooker, earned 75 caps of his own. Carl and Callie are among a select group of father-and-son combinations to have each played more than 50 matches for the Free State, along side the Pienaar family (Gysie and Ruan Pienaar) and the du Toit family (Pikkie Sr and JP du Toit Jr). This proud lineage underscores the rich heritage and generational passion that defines Free State Rugby.
As Carl reaches this century milestone, the Toyota Cheetahs honour not only his contribution on the field, but his loyalty, resilience and enduring commitment to the jersey.
Congratulations, Carl, 100 games strong, and still charging forward.