Faf de Klerk will leave Yokohama Canon Eagles at the end of the season, the Japan Rugby League One club has confirmed.
The double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks scrum-half joined the Eagles back in 2022 from Sale Sharks and has been an integral part of the squad since, despite his two most recent seasons being injury-interrupted.
The 34-year-old will return to South Africa at the end of the season as he surprisingly joins the Cheetahs after reportedly attracting interest from Sale Sharks and French clubs, including Perpignan.
Cheetahs thrilled
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Faf to the Cheetahs family,” the Cheetahs said in a statement confirming that De Klerk has signed a two-year deal.
“He brings incredible energy, experience and leadership – exactly what we need as we push to compete at the highest level. He’s the kind of player who can shift the momentum of a match, and we know our supporters can’t wait to see him in orange.”
Reports in February linked De Klerk with a move to the Free State, stating that he would take a ‘massive pay cut’ to join the Cheetahs but would be doing so in order to be close to his and his wife’s family.
Joining the Cheetahs is a bit of risk for De Klerk due to the side’s lack of matches in top competitions, particularly after he fell down the Springboks’ pecking order last year, earning just two appearances, both coming from the bench.
However, the 60-Test cap international has regularly been namedropped by Rassie Erasmus in press conferences, with the head coach revealing that De Klerk remained in the loop, attending meetings virtually despite not being part of the squad.
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In a statement confirming his departure from the Eagles, De Klerk addressed the club’s fans.
“It’s with a full heart that I look back on my time with the Yokohama Canon Eagles,” he said.
“From the moment I arrived in Japan, I was welcomed into something truly special. This club is more than just a team – it’s a family. The culture, the professionalism, and the pride everyone takes in representing the jersey made every day an incredible experience.
“To the supporters – thank you. Your passion and support never went unnoticed. Whether at a host game or a visitor game, you created an atmosphere that lifted us and made playing for this club something I will always cherish.
“To my teammates and staff, I’m grateful for the friendships and memories we’ve built together. It’s a special group of people, and I’ve learned so much from being part of it.
“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. Thank you for everything, it’s been an honour.”
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