Faf de Klerk: Springbok set for Premiership return with Sale Sharks after long lay-off
Sale Sharks' Faf de Klerk kicks the ball during the Gallagher Premiership match at Sandy Park, Exeter. Picture date: Saturday June 12, 2021.
Springbok scrum-half Faf de Klerk will be looking to make his return from a long-term injury for Sale Sharks on Sunday.
The 30-year-old has been on the sidelines since injuring his hip against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship in October.
England centre Manu Tuilagi has also made a return from injury after he damaged his hamstring in the Autumn Nations Series fixture against South Africa.
Sale Sharks coach Alex Sanderson said De Klerk – typical to his nature – has energised the squad and is available for the Harlequins game this weekend.
“He is also up for selection, buzzing around, a little ball of blonde energy around the training ground. He is in good form,” Sanderson told reporters.
Returning earlier than expected
De Klerk’s recovery proved ahead of projection much to the delight of Sanderson as he was only expected to be match fit at the end of February.
“I got told two weeks on Sunday and four weeks on Monday – that was just the medical team wanting a pat on the back in front of the coaches, so I think it is two or three weeks ahead of schedule,” he added.
The return of Tuilagi also put a smile on Sanderson’s face.
“It’s a very definite maybe for this weekend, I have to say,” he said.
“He has been out there the last two weeks. This week he has trained really well, looked sharp, looked good, happy. Yes, he is up for selection. Fit.”
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