Faf de Klerk is one of South Africa’s most famous rugby union players. He currently represents the South Africa national team – also known as the Springboks – and he plays his domestic rugby union with Yokohama Cannon Eagles in the Japan Rugby League One. Here, we take a closer look at his life and career to tell you all there is to know about this popular scrum-half.
Faf de Klerk Biography Detail
Real Name Francois de Klerk Nickname “Faf” Birthplace Nelspruit, Transvaal, South Africa Profession Professional rugby union player Age 31 Height 1.72m Weight 80kg Hair colour Blonde Nationality South African Date of birth 19 October 1991
Faf de Klerk Personal Life
Not much is known about Faf de Klerk’s early life, but what is confirmed is that he developed his love for the sport of rugby union during his education at Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. His abilities were nurtured and developed during his schooling, before he began his playing career at age 16.
Faf de Klerk is married to his wife Miné de Klerk - nee van Niekerk – after they tied the knot in October 2022 in their native South Africa. The pair had been dating since 2015 and got engaged in May 2022. They had their honeymoon in the Maldives.
Faf de Klerk Career
He first signed as a youth for the Blue Bulls as a 16-year-old, back in 2007. He then joined the Golden Lions in 2010 before starting his senior career with South African side Pumas to play in the Currie Cup. After this in 2014 he moved to the Johannesburg-based Lions to play in what was the Super Rugby 14, staying with the club until 2017.
The next stage of his career took him to England where he played for Sale Sharks, becoming a firm fan favourite and playing in a variety of important Premiership rugby fixtures and tournaments. De Klerk left Sale in 2021 after making over 100 appearances for the club. He now plays with Yokohama Canon Eagles.
He has also earned nearly 50 caps for the South Africa national team after making his international debut in 2016. A notable accolade during his time with the Springboks was helping them to victory over England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Faf de Klerk Facts
- He is known for his trademark long blonde hair.
- He was the Sale Sharks ‘Player of the Year’ in the 2017-18 season.
- His first international try was against England in 2018.
- ‘Faf’ is in fact an Afrikaans shortening of his name.
- His favourite player is Joost van der Westhuizen.
