Springbok legend Faf de Klerk returns to SA provincial team
The two-time World Cup winner is returning to South Africa to join this local rugby union team.
The Toyota Cheetahs announced that they have signed double Rugby World Cup winner and veteran Springbok scrum-half, Faf de Klerk.
The Free State team confirmed that De Klerk has committed to a two-year deal with the side.
De Klerk will be making Bloemfontein his home from June 2026.
“His arrival marks one of the most significant signings in the franchise's history, bringing a wealth of international experience and a winning pedigree to the Free State,” said the Cheetahs.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Faf to the Cheetahs family," said the Cheetahs' leadership.
"His tenacity on the field and his leadership off it are exactly what we need as we continue to compete at the highest level. Faf is a player who changes the tempo of a game, and we know our supporters are eager to see him in the orange jersey."
The rugby icon is moving back from Japan, where he has played for the Yokohama Canon Eagles since 2022.
He also earned over 100 caps for the Sale Sharks in the English Premiership.
Player Profile: Francois ‘Faf’ de Klerk
- Position: Scrum-half
- Springbok Caps: 60+
- Previous Clubs: Yokohama Canon Eagles (Japan), Sale Sharks (England), Lions (South Africa)
Career Highlights and Accolades:
- Back-to-Back World Champion: Key starter in both the 2019 (Japan) and 2023 (France) Rugby World Cup Finals.
- British and Irish Lions Series Winner: Featured prominently in the historic 2021 series victory.
- Premiership Excellence: Nominated for the Premiership Player of the Season during his tenure with Sale Sharks.
- Global Impact: A standout performer in Japan’s League One, consistently ranked among the top tactical nines in world rugby.
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