Coach Frans Steyn has revealed how the Cheetahs landed the signature of Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.
The 34-year-old double World Cup winner has committed to a two-year deal that will see him make Bloemfontein his home from June.
De Klerk is currently playing in Japan for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, who he joined in 2022 after a successful four-year stint with the Sale Sharks in England.
“It started with a call. He sent me a message and then I just phoned [Cheetahs sponsors] Toyota and everyone,” Steyn told Netwerk24. “Our sponsors played a big part in getting Faf here.”
That call has now turned into a major coup for the Free State Rugby Union.
Steyn believes De Klerk’s impact will go far beyond just performances.
“I think he will add a lot of value to how we play and how we want to play. He has a lot of experience, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Family played a big role in De Klerk’s decision as his wife Miné’s family farm is located near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape
“Yes, there are family ties here,” Steyn confirmed.
WATCH: Faf scores first-half hat-trick
Having shared the field with De Klerk at Test level, Steyn knows exactly what the veteran scrumhalf brings and why he should be invaluable to a young squad.
“I’m looking forward to it. I know he has high standards and works hard. He’s very much like Ruan [Pienaar] in that respect.
“It will be good for our team, which has a lot of young guys. I know there are a few older guys, but the young guys, the young scrumhalves and everyone are going to be able to learn a lot from him.”
Photo: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images
The post Frans on major Faf coup: It started with a call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Frans Steyn has revealed how the Cheetahs landed the signature of Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.
The post Frans on major Faf coup: It started with a call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
