Springboks legends’ verdict on Faf de Klerk’s ‘unbelievable’ South Africa return
Faf de Klerk and an inset of ex-Springboks legend Jean de Villiers.
Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Hanyani Shimange have reacted to the news that Faf de Klerk has signed to join the Cheetahs.
The double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok last played in South Africa back in 2017 with the Lions and has since enjoyed stints at Sale Sharks in Manchester and the Canon Eagles in Yokohama.
However, he will return to South African shores following the conclusion of the Japan Rugby League One season, surprisingly signing for the Cheetahs.
Reaction to Faf de Klerk signing for the Cheetahs
Whilst the Bloemfontein outfit compete in the Currie Cup and Challenge Cup, they are lacking consistent top-level competition to feature in throughout the year, which has been true since they were dumped out of the PRO14.
This is what makes De Klerk’s move to the Cheetahs all the more surprising, but it is believed that he has made the decision in order to be closer to his and his wife’s family.
Speaking on the Boks Unpacked podcast, legendary flanker Burger hailed the decision and likened it to Ruan Pienaar’s return to the Free State after his spells with Ulster and Montpellier.
“It’s unbelievable,” the 43-year-old former Bok said.
“Obviously, he’s been doing a decent job over in Japan, and for the Cheetahs, it is a massive, massive signing. For him, it’s obviously about being closer to not only his family but his wife’s family up there.
“It’s unbelievable when these players come back and the value they add, you think of Ruan Pienaar when he came back. So all the best for Faf and welcome back.”
South Africa’s depth at scrum-half
De Villiers agreed that it is a huge coup for the men from the City of Roses, but added that it highlights the depth that South Africa has a scrum-half across the country.
“I also think it’s fantastic for Faf,” he began.
“It’s brilliant that he’s back in South Africa, and as mentioned by Scalla, the value he can add to that group and South African rugby. But it also shows the quality that we have at nine at the moment in the other unions.
“He probably would have looked at the other unions, but the Stormers have Cobus Reinach there and Asad Moos and Imad Khan coming through.
“The Bulls have Embrose Papier playing really well and a couple of others behind him, too. The Sharks have two Springboks [Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse] in their ranks, and then the Lions have Morne van den Berg and Nico Steyn.
“A couple of years ago, we would be asking who’s next in that position, but suddenly, we have a plethora of nines.”
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Haashim Pead is another rising star who De Villiers failed to list, while it’s largely understood that Saracens and Springboks scrum-half Ivan van Zyl is set to join the Sharks.
Former hooker Shimange concluded the discussion, stating the Cheetahs need a player like De Klerk in their ranks and not just from a playing point of view.
“Also, with his experience, what he brings back is more than playing on the field. It’s the mentoring role and a bit of coaching, and it’s something that the Cheetahs do need,” he said.
