Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk says he hasn’t returned to South Africa just to see out his career.
The 34-year-old insists his ultimate goal remains a place in the Springbok squad for the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, De Klerk said his move to Bloemfontein is driven by a desire to remain competitive and stay in contention for higher honours.
“Yes, definitely,” De Klerk said when asked whether he still dreams of playing in a third World Cup. “But first I have to perform for the Cheetahs, otherwise I won’t get anywhere.”
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De Klerk believes consistent performances at club level will keep him in the Springbok conversation.
“I have to make sure I’m ready if the call comes. It helps a lot that I can now train here and stay match fit.
“I always say if you perform well for your club, you’ll play for the Springboks.”
The former Lions, Sale Sharks and Yokohama Canon Eagles scrumhalf also rejected suggestions that his return to South Africa signals the final chapter of his playing career.
“I think many people believe I’ve come here to retire, but that’s not the case at all.
“I still want to play, I still want to be competitive, I want to be the best in my position and the best I can be for the team.”
De Klerk revealed his move to the Cheetahs began with an offhand suggestion from his wife Miné.
“When my wife mentioned the Cheetahs as an option while we were sitting in Spur, I asked [director of rugby] Frans [Steyn] if there was a place for me, whether he needed or wanted me.”
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The move also carries personal significance.
“My wife attended Eunice School here and both my daughters were born in Bloemfontein. We’ve spent a lot of time here over the past six or seven years.
“I’ve supported the Cheetahs since I was young and admired everything they stand for. It all just fell into place naturally. It felt right from the beginning.”
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Faf targets third World Cup appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk says he hasn’t returned to South Africa just to see out his career.
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