Faf de Klerk to leave Yokohama to join the Cheetahs

Yokohama Canon Eagles scrum-half Faf de Klerk will return to his homeland this summer to join the Cheetahs on a two-year deal the South African club has announced.

The Currie Cup side, who were eliminated from the European Challenge Cup in the pool stage, announced the arrival of the 34-year-old double World Cup winner on Sunday afternoon.

A Club statement read: “Springbok icon Faf de Klerk joins the Toyota Cheetahs on a two-year deal: world-class experience, relentless energy, and championship pedigree coming to Bloemfontein.”

De Klerk said: "It’s with a full heart that I look back on my time with the Yokohama Canon Eagles.

"From the moment I arrived in Japan, I was welcomed into something truly special. This club is more than just a team — it’s a family. The culture, the professionalism, and the pride everyone takes in representing the jersey made every day an incredible experience.

"To the supporters ― thank you. Your passion and support never went unnoticed. Whether at a host game or a visitor game, you created an atmosphere that lifted us and made playing for this club something I will always cherish.

"To my teammates and staff — I’m grateful for the friendships and memories we’ve built together. It’s a special group of people, and I’ve learned so much from being part of it.

"Japan has become a place very close to my heart. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation for everyone involved with the Yokohama Canon Eagles. Thank you for everything — it’s been an honour."

The anticipated announcement came after relegation-threatened Yokohama Canon Eagles confirmed that the out of contract Springboks star would depart after four years at the club.

© Yokohama

De Klerk has scored four tries in four games since returning to action in March having recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the opening round of the League One competition in December.

His departure date from the Kanagawa outfit is still to be determined with the club currently in the relegation play-off zone with four games to go.

The former Sale scrum-half, who recently took part in a virtual Springboks alignment camp, has made 38 appearances for Yokohama and will be hoping to sign off by ensuring that they preserve their top-flight status.

Leon MacDonald’s side are eleventh in the table and four points ahead of basement outfit Urayasu D-Rocks.

The bottom two sides will take part in two-leg relegation/promotion play-offs against division two opposition in May.

Yokohama are three points behind Kanagawa rivals Mitsubishi Dynaboars.

The division one team which finishes 11th will face the team which finishes second in the second division (currently Noah Lolesio’s Toyota Shuttles Aichi).

Division one’s basement team (currently Urayasu) will face the division two winners (Manie Libbok’s Kintetsu Liners currently occupy top spot).

Jesse Kriel-led Yokohama host relegation rivals Urayasu next Saturday in a must-win game in Oita.

Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for coverage of Faf de Klerk’s remaining games in Japan