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.

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Harlequins’ European dream is now over after being knocked out of the Investec Champions Cup. In a crucial match held at Twickenham Stoop, Sale Sharks emerged victorious with a final score of 26-17.

Sale Sharks took control early in the match, scoring 16 points in the first half and leading 16-0 at halftime. George Ford was instrumental for Sale, contributing 16 points to the scoreboard. Luke Cowan-Dickie also made a significant impact, scoring two tries during the match.

Despite the early setback, Harlequins rallied in the second half, scoring 17 points. Alex Dombrandt was a standout performer for Harlequins, scoring two tries, while Chandler Cunningham-South added another try to their tally. However, Harlequins faced challenges, including being reduced to 14 men after Will Evans was sin-binned.

The match was described as physical and tense, with Harlequins having only 29% possession in the first half. Observers noted that Harlequins had an early chance close to the Sale try line but were denied, allowing Sale to gradually take charge through territory and discipline.

Sale Sharks will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face either Leinster or Edinburgh. The victory was somewhat overshadowed for Sale fans by the sight of England duo Bevan Rodd and Cowan-Dickie leaving the field due to injuries, holding their wrists.

Despite the loss, Harlequins showed resilience, refusing to fold and producing a strong late rally. The defeat marks the end of their campaign in this year’s Champions Cup, leaving fans and players to reflect on the season.

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On March 29, 2026, the atmosphere at CorpAcq Stadium was electric as Sale Sharks faced off against Bath Rugby in a crucial match that had implications for both teams in the league standings. Sale Sharks, having struggled throughout the season, were looking to build on recent improvements, while Bath aimed to close the gap on the league leaders, Northampton Saints.

The match began with Sale Sharks taking an early lead, scoring 19 points by halftime, while Bath managed only 7 points. The first half saw tries from Sale’s Tom O’Flaherty, Rob du Preez, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Tom Roebuck, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, Bath’s defense held firm, and they remained within striking distance as they headed into the break.

As the second half commenced, Bath Rugby shifted gears, demonstrating a significant change in momentum. The team, led by coach Johann van Graan, capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 24 points in the second half. The tries came from Dan Frost, Louie Hennessey, Ethan Staddon, Bernard van der Linde, and Alfie Barbeary, reflecting their determination to turn the tide of the match.

Bath’s Bomb Squad made a notable impact during this period, contributing to their dominance in territory, where they held 72% possession in the second half. This strategic advantage allowed them to control the pace of the game and apply relentless pressure on Sale’s defense.