After almost a decade playing abroad, Faf de Klerk says returning to South African rugby has given him new motivation.
The double World Cup-winning scrumhalf is back in the Springbok set-up after an extended absence and admits the call-up still means as much as ever.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” De Klerk said. “Once you lose that feeling, you should probably stop playing.”
The 34-year-old has spent much of the past decade in England and Japan, but recently returned to South Africa after signing with the Cheetahs.
“Tomorrow when we fly home, I can fly to Bloemfontein and be home,” he said. “I don’t have to do another massive trip to get somewhere. The family’s happy and I travel less. It’s a win-win.”
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De Klerk insists his priorities remain unchanged.
“My goal is always to play well for my club and hopefully earn the opportunity to play for the Springboks,” he said. “That will always be the No 1 thing I strive for.”
The veteran scrumhalf, who has been a central figure in the Springboks’ success under Erasmus, is determined to prove he still belongs at the highest level.
“Everything I do at my club is about showing I’m still good enough to be here,” he said. “I was very excited when the call came.”
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Several Bok scrumhalves are currently on the injured list, including Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg and Jaden Hendrikse.
De Klerk attended the Bok training camp alongside fellow No 9s Grant Williams, Imad Khan, Haashim Pead and Nico Steyn.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Faf’s Bok fire still burns bright appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
After almost a decade playing abroad, Faf de Klerk says returning to South African rugby has given him new motivation.
The post Faf’s Bok fire still burns bright appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
