The rumors have finally been laid to rest as Faf de Klerk prepares to trade the neon lights of Japan for the open plains of the Free State.
After four seasons with the Yokohama Canon Eagles, the double World Cup winner is officially returning to South African soil on a two-year deal with the Free State Cheetahs starting June 2026.
At 34, the Springbok scrum-half is making a move that prioritizes legacy and family over the yen. The move is a deeply personal one for the De Klerk family as his wife, Miné, hails from Postmasburg in the Northern Cape, where her father has served the community as Pharmacist for decades.
After four years in Japan, the chance to raise their two daughters, Remi-Ré and Yuke, closer to the family farm was the deciding factor.
“It makes a lot of sense for him to finish his career in Bloemfontein Miné’s family farm near Postmasburg in the Northern Cape.” – Jay | JPS
While the move involves a reported pay cut, it places Faf roughly 550km away from the quiet nature of the Northern Cape farm. The Cheetahs confirmed the signing today, noting that the veteran No. 9 brings a championship pedigree that is virtually unmatched in the current domestic setup.
The Free State side has found its feet again through a local business consortium, and landing a player of De Klerk’s stature is a statement of intent for their Currie Cup and international aspirations.
Faf remains one of the most relentless competitors in the game, and his presence in the Toyota Stadium tunnel will undoubtedly shift the energy in the camp while keeping him firmly in the sights of national selectors.
📸 Photos via SA Rugby
