The South African teams of 2019 and 2023 produced some of the highest-quality rugby seen on the international stage ever, with a dominant win seven years ago against England and a scrappy, but ultimately victorious, battle with New Zealand seeing the Springboks claim two World Cups in a row.
Many players were present in the South African team for both of the victories, with stars like Handré Pollard, Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit etching their names into the sport’s history.
One of the stars of both teams is making a surprising move this summer, though, as his international career seemingly draws to a close after achieving such greatness.
Faf de Klerk to return to South Africa with the Cheetahs
Faf de Klerk has been with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan for four years, joining them in 2022 after his spell in the Premiership with the Sale Sharks—who are looking on course to qualify for the Champions Cup this season—concluded.
He has played 38 games with the Eagles in the Japan Rugby League One, which is the top division in Japan—starting 32 of those games and scoring 10 tries.
De Klerk will now go back to his homeland with the Cheetahs in the summer, who represent the Free State and Northern Cape areas of South Africa, and play in the Currie Cup as well as the EPCR Challenge Cup, of which they were invited to.
On the move, the Cheetahs organisation said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Faf [de Klerk] to the Cheetahs family. He brings incredible energy, experience and leadership – exactly what we need as we push to compete at the highest level. He’s the kind of player who can shift the momentum of a match, and we know our supporters can’t wait to see him in orange.”
The 34-year old will sign with the Cheetahs for two years, and issued a message for the Japanese fans of the Eagles upon the announcement that he was to move.
“It’s with a full heart that I look back on my time with the Yokohama Canon Eagles—from the moment I arrived in Japan, I was welcomed into something truly special. This club is more than just a team – it’s a family. The culture, the professionalism, and the pride everyone takes in representing the jersey made every day an incredible experience.”
To the supporters – thank you. Your passion and support never went unnoticed. Whether at a host game or a visitor game, you created an atmosphere that lifted us and made playing for this club something I will always cherish.”
