Shock South African suitors emerge in scrap to sign Faf de Klerk

The Cheetahs have emerged as shock suitors in the race to land Springbok scrum-half Faf de Klerk when his contract with Yokohama Canon Eagles runs out at the end of the season.

De Klerk, who turns 35 later this year, could have played his last game for the Japan Rugby League One club after being de-registered following an ankle injury suffered while tackling Shizuoka Blue Revs wing Valynce Te Whare in December.

He has been linked with several clubs, including his former employers, Gallagher PREM side Sale Sharks, where he made over 100 appearances in a five-year stint before moving to Japan back in 2022.

Top 14 strugglers Perpignan also had talks, but they feared they would be unable to afford the veteran, while Pau, who are high-flying in the French top flight this year, are also keen on him.

None of the four South African franchises that play in the United Rugby Championship are believed to be in a position to afford the wages he would be looking for.

But in a dramatic twist, the Cheetahs, who have been saved from financial collapse by a group of 10 Free State businessmen exploring participation in new international competitions, are keen to sign him.

It would also give De Klerk and his wife, Miné, the chance to be nearer to family, even though he would earn considerably more if he were to continue playing overseas next season.

The Free State side have lost another scrum-half, Ruben de Haas, who has decided to play his club rugby in the USA with NOLA Gold, and De Klerk would be a direct replacement.

De Klerk, a member of the Springboks’ two victorious World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, is likely to be available more for domestic games after dropping down the pecking order in Rassie Erasmus’s Test plans in recent seasons.