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
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