Double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk’s return to the Cheetahs at the end of the season could place him firmly back in the Springboks picture ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Free State side recently confirmed the signing of the Japan-based De Klerk on a two-year deal, meaning the 34-year-old scrum-half will return to South Africa ahead of the tournament and be available to the world champions whenever they choose to call on him. He currently plays for the Canon Eagles in the Japanese League One competition
De Klerk recently attended the first Springbok alignment camp, which means he could be in the immediate plans of the national side.
The veteran scrumhalf has spent almost a decade playing his rugby abroad since his exploits with the Lions in Super Rugby, and will add significant depth to the Bloemfontein-based side. They currently compete in the SA Cup and Currie Cup after losing their place in the United Rugby Championship.
The Cheetahs are also an invitational side in the EPCR Challenge Cup, although their participation next season has yet to be confirmed.
Even without top-flight international competition at present, the signing of De Klerk provides a major boost. Apart from playing a prominent role in the two World Cup victories, De Klerk was also part of the Bok side that won a British and Irish Lions series in 2021.
The union said in a statement they are happy to have De Klerk return to South Africa in the colours of the Cheetahs.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Faf to the Cheetahs family,” the union said in a statement.
“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.”
