Your rugby morning headlines for Monday, April 13.

STEYN COMING TO THE PRO14

The Cheetahs have announced that two-time Rugby World Cup winner Francois Steyn is joining the franchise on a two-year deal.

Steyn has spent much of his career playing in Europe but has been a regular fixture in Springbok sides down the years, earning 67 caps.

His versatility allows him to play in a number of positions across the backline, making him an appealing candidate for selection.

It will be the first time he's represented a South African side in five years and the first time PRO14 fans will get a glimpse of him.

“We are delighted to announce that Frans Steyn has signed a 2-year agreement with the Toyota Cheetahs, starting on 1 July 2020”, said Harold Verster, MD of Free State Rugby Ltd.

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FRENCH RUGBY CLUBS ON THE VERGE OF FINANCIAL RUIN

A stark warning has been issued to French rugby clubs, with the nation's domestic league facing financial ruin, according salary cap watchdog, the DNACG.

Its boss, Dominique Debreyer, filed a 40-page financial report to clubs in early April, estimating the economic impact the coronavirus will have on clubs in the TOP 14 and PRO D2.

He estimated that nine Top 14 and seven PRO D2 clubs would not be able to pay their players without bailouts next season.

"We carried out our estimate for a drop in GDP of around 2%," Debrayer is quoted as saying by Rugbyrama.

"However, today, the State is rather talking about a fall of 6%. We have also neglected the impact of the crisis on ticketing.

"Therefore, if we use our model and taking into account the player contracts already signed and which run over the next season, nine Top 14 and seven Pro D2 clubs will not be able to not present a budget that would allow them to hire for next year."

The bleak picture is painted by the DNACG due to a prediction that the league will experience a 30% drop in sponsorship.

"This is why it is important for professional rugby to initiate a common commercial policy. Otherwise, there will be very great damage," Debrayer added.

ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL FORCED TO RETIRE DUE TO COVID-19

Nick Abendanon is being forced to retire against his will be the impact of the coronavirus.

Coming to the end of a successful spell at Clermont Auvergne, the outside back had been hoping to impress in the final stages of the season in the bid to find a new club.

He was at advanced stage of securing a new employer when the virus hit and talks have since gone cold.

It leaves him staring at the prospect of walking away from the game before he's ready.

“It’s difficult but at the end of June, I have to stop, I haven’t got a choice,” Abendanon told newspaper Midi Olympique.

“In my head, I hoped to play as much as possible at the end of the season to prove I was at this level and I deserved a contract at another club.

“It’s not at all my decision. There are things above us in life, events more important than your plans. I don’t feel ready to stop but I have to.

“I had contact with some clubs, discussions that were advanced. But everything went cold. Now, I have nothing."

ROBERTS LIFTS LID ON HOSPITAL LIFE

Wales centre Jamie Roberts has revealed what it is currently like at the University Hospital of Wales, one of the nation's biggest hospitals.

Roberts has returned from South Africa, where he is employed by the Stormers, and is now volunteering for the NHS, having earned his medical degree in 2013.

He started work as a ‘clinical innovation fellow’ on April 6, which will involve going around and helping out where possible but is unlikely to lead to any skilled clinical work.

Yesterday, Roberts' duties involved delivering food to staff on the wards.

"As I wheeled the trolley cage through the hospital, the corridors felt empty," he wrote on his daily blog.

(Image: Richard Swingler)

"Most wards were likely busy with patients and the COVID-19 wards on the upper floors of the hospital were likely full of activity, yet hardly any visitors or staff roamed the hospital corridors.

"The odd member of the housekeeping team passed by and nodded good afternoon, but besides that, it really did feel like a ghost town.

"My initial suspicions were right; the wards were busy and I had a few deliveries to make to various floors.

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"I guess nothing beats a quality meal delivered into your hands after a tough shift on the wards; the smiles on the nurses and doctors faces were worth the 100m of vibrating across the brick-paved walkway and the speed slalom through the hospital concourse and corridors."

You can follow Roberts' daily blog here.