Back with the Boks, Faf de Klerk explains South Africa return
SPOTLIGHT: Back in South Africa after a decade abroad and back in the Springbok squad, Faf de Klerk says he could not be happier with the decision to return home.
The veteran scrumhalf has settled into life in Bloemfontein with the Cheetahs and, with injuries opening the door for his international return, finds himself right back in the thick of the national setup.
The two-time World Cup winner spent the last 10 years playing in England and Japan.
He was a key member of the 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning teams. After missing most of the Boks’ 2024 season due to injury and only being involved in two Test matches in 2025, De Klerk will go all out to stake a claim for the No. 9 jersey again this season.
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That does sound quite serious 😲
Link to the #InjuryUpdate: https://t.co/oHfDhqIbuz
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— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) June 11, 2026
With Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse and Morné van den Berg all sidelined, De Klerk has been handed an opportunity to re-establish himself in the green and gold while helping the Cheetahs build for the future.
De Klerk’s return comes at a time when the Springboks are facing a scrumhalf injury crisis, with Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse and Morné van den Berg all sidelined. As a result, the veteran No.9 has been thrust back into the national picture.
His move to the Cheetahs raised eyebrows, particularly given reports that he turned down more lucrative opportunities overseas. However, De Klerk said being closer to family and helping rebuild rugby in the Free State made the decision an easy one.
“When we fly home, I can fly to Bloemfontein and I’m home. I’m not going to have to do another massive trip to get somewhere. So, the family’s happy and I travel less.
“It’s a win-win and with the new club, there’s a lot of stuff that we need to do there and build on. I’m excited to help out as much as I can.
“My main goal will always be to play well for my club and then hopefully earn the opportunity to play for the Springboks. That’s always the number one thing I strive for, but I’m very, very glad to be back in South Africa.”
De Klerk has already linked up with the Cheetahs and attended several training sessions, although his immediate focus is on the Springbok camp after being included in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the upcoming Tests.
While his long-term future may now lie in Bloemfontein, De Klerk’s return has come at the perfect time for the Springboks, who suddenly find themselves short of experienced scrumhalves ahead of a demanding international season.
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