Springboks stalwart Faf de Klerk linked with France move

Yokohama Canon Eagles scrum-half Faf de Klerk is being targeted by Top 14 basement outfit Perpignan according to French media outlet Rugby Scope.

The two-time World Cup winner, 34, is currently on the sidelines in South Africa with an ankle injury and has been de-registered by his club to free up an international spot for new signing, ex-All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman.

Rugby Scope reports that the former Sale Sharks man recently took part in an online video call with the 2003 European Champions Cup runners-up.

Title contenders Toulon were recently seen as suitors, but head coach Pierre Mignoni denied any interest in the South African.

The Mpumalanga native is understood to be out of contract with Leon MacDonald’s winless Yokohama side this summer and is believed to be exploring potential options in Europe. 

Faf de Klerk in action for Yokohama in December - © JRLO

His potential new employers Perpignan are also rooted to the foot of their league with nine defeats in as many games and are 17 points adrift of safety with relegation to Pro D2 looking certain.

The club’s half-back stocks are set to be depleted this summer with Frenchman Tom Ecochard, South African James Hall, and Georgian international Gela Aprasidze all out of contract at the end of the season.

A marquee signing of the calibre of the 60-Test cap Springbok would be an impressive coup for the struggling Catalan side whose squad includes French starlet Posolo Tuilagi, Italian fly-half Tommaso Allan, Fijian centre Eneriko Buliruarua and Wallabies utility-back Jordan Petaia.

Meanwhile underperforming Yokohama, who are captained by Jesse Kriel, host Dave Rennie’s third-placed Kobe Steelers in round five on Saturday.

Fan favourite de Klerk is hopeful of returning to play in the final rounds of the regular season in May.

“I felt I really worked hard to come back and be ready for this season but I'm going back to make sure I get in the best condition possible to come back, join the team again and support if I'm not playing,” said the 2019 and 2023 World Cup winner.

“I'll be back as soon as possible to see all the supporters and players and hopefully join the last few games.”