Faf De Klerk: Springboks Star Returns to South Africa After Spending Four Years Abroad
- Faf de Klerk has officially completed his return to South Africa after leaving Japan’s Yokohama Canon Eagles
- The Springboks star spent four years in Japan and has decided to join another club in June 2026
- The two-time Rugby World Cup winner also explained the reason behind his decision to return to South Africa
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Springboks star Faf de Klerk has returned to South Africa after spending four years in Japan and England. He ends his stay abroad.
The 34-year-old scrumhalf, who lifted the global title with the Springboks in 2019 and 2023, is set to join the Bloemfontein outfit from June.
Source: Getty Images
The move marked another top South African rugby star making a decision to return home after a successful spell playing the sport overseas.
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Faf de Klerk returns to South Africa
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has agreed to a two-year contract with the Cheetahs, and he arrives after a stint with Japan’s Yokohama Canon Eagles, having previously featured for Sale Sharks in England as well as the Lions and Pumas back home in South Africa.
The Bloemfontein-based side announced on Sunday, April 12, 2026, that the Rugby World Cup winner, who has earned 60 international caps, has officially joined their ranks.
“We’re thrilled to have Faf join the Cheetahs family,” the club’s management said in a statement released on Sunday.
“His intensity on the pitch, combined with his leadership qualities, is exactly what we’re looking for as we aim to remain competitive at the top level. Faf has the ability to influence the pace of a match, and we’re confident our fans can’t wait to see him don the orange jersey.”
The Cheetahs are currently competing in the SA Cup and are also set to take part in the 2026 Currie Cup later this year.
Faf de Klerk's reaction to joining Cheetahs
It is believed that De Klerk, who has spent the last four seasons playing in Japan, opted for the move to be nearer to his family.
In a video shared on the Cheetahs’ social media platforms, he expressed his excitement about the switch, saying he is thrilled to be joining the Bloemfontein-based side, which he described as having some of the most passionate supporters in the country.
He added that he is eager to get started and looks forward to taking the field alongside his new teammates.
Source: Getty Images
Although he is currently not included in the Springbok alignment squad, head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that the 34-year-old remains in consideration and has been involved in team discussions during their alignment camp through virtual meetings.
Meanwhile, De Klerk has rediscovered his sharp, instinctive form at Canon Eagles in Japan League One this season, crossing the try line five times in as many appearances.
Springboks star ruled out of the season
Briefly News also reported that a Springboks star has suffered a season-ending injury, which means he is set to be out for a long period in 2026.
The South African rugby star's injury comes as bad news for both his club and the Springboks as he's now expected to undergo surgery in a few days.
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Source: Briefly News
