Faf de Klerk, the 34-year-old scrum-half and double Rugby World Cup winner, will leave the Yokohama Canon Eagles at the end of the season to join the Cheetahs on a two-year deal. This move marks a significant transition for De Klerk, who has spent the last two seasons in Japan, where his tenure has been marred by injuries.
De Klerk joined the Yokohama Canon Eagles in 2022 from Sale Sharks, and during his time in Japan, he has earned 60 Test caps for South Africa. Despite his achievements, the last two seasons have been challenging, with injuries disrupting his performance and availability on the field.
In announcing his departure, De Klerk expressed his gratitude towards the Eagles, stating, “It’s with a full heart that I look back on my time with the Yokohama Canon Eagles.” He further added, “Japan has become a place very close to my heart. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation for everyone involved with the Yokohama Canon Eagles.” His emotional farewell highlights the strong connections he formed during his time in Japan.
The Cheetahs have welcomed De Klerk’s signing with enthusiasm, stating, “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Faf to the Cheetahs family.” The team emphasized his tenacity on the field and leadership qualities, which they believe are crucial as they aim to compete at the highest level in rugby.
Before finalizing his move to the Cheetahs, De Klerk reportedly attracted interest from his former club, Sale Sharks, as well as several French clubs. Ultimately, he decided to join the Cheetahs, although this transition involves taking a pay cut, reflecting the financial realities of rugby contracts.
While De Klerk’s move is seen as a risk due to the Cheetahs’ limited matches in top competitions, his experience and skills are expected to bolster the team’s performance. Observers will be keen to see how he adapts to this new environment and whether he can regain his form after a challenging period in Japan.
As the rugby community awaits further developments, De Klerk’s transition from the Yokohama Canon Eagles to the Cheetahs marks a pivotal moment in his career, with both excitement and uncertainty surrounding his future contributions to the sport.
