Double Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk is set to return to Free State Cheetahs in a move that could revive his chances of rejoining the Springboks ahead of the 2027 tournament in Australia.
The Bloemfontein-based side confirmed that De Klerk, currently playing for Canon Eagles in Japan’s League One, will rejoin the team on a two-year deal at the end of the season. His return to South Africa makes the experienced scrum-half eligible for national selection once again.
The 34-year-old has already attended a recent Springbok alignment camp, signalling that he remains firmly in contention for a recall.
De Klerk has spent nearly a decade playing abroad following his stint with the Lions in Super Rugby, and his homecoming is expected to add valuable experience and depth to the Cheetahs squad. The team currently competes in the SA Cup and Currie Cup after being excluded from the United Rugby Championship.
Despite that, securing a player of De Klerk’s calibre is seen as a major boost. He played a key role in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs and was also part of the squad that defeated the British & Irish Lions in the 2021 series.
With his return, De Klerk could once again play a pivotal role for both club and country as the Springboks begin building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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