The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has signed a two-year contract with the Bloemfontein outfit and is expected to report for duty in June. De Klerk is currently playing his club rugby for the Canon Eagles in Japan, having previously represented the Pumas, Lions, and Sale Sharks in England.

Earlier this year, De Klerk was also part of the Springboks’ alignment camp, suggesting he remains firmly on Rassie Erasmus’ radar and could still feature in international rugby later in the season.

The experienced 60-test scrumhalf, who can also slot in at flyhalf if needed, is expected to play a role similar to the one Ruan Pienaar fulfilled when he joined the Cheetahs from Montpellier in 2019. Pienaar proved invaluable to the side and played a key role in the team lifting the Currie Cup in both 2019 and 2023.

Volschenk told OFM Sport that the Cheetahs squad can only benefit from the vast experience De Klerk will bring to the group.

“For me, it’s incredibly exciting. I’ve been watching Faf since I was a little boy when he was still playing for the Lions and later for the Springboks,” said the young captain.

“He’s a World Cup-winning Springbok, so to have a player of that calibre joining the Cheetahs is special.

Faf de Klerk. Photo: RugbyJP.com

“He’s going to bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge from playing in places like England, Japan and in the Springbok set-up, and I think all of us as players can really benefit from that.

“Everyone is looking forward to him arriving.”

Volschenk, who has emerged as a natural leader and captained the Cheetahs to an emphatic 57–10 victory over the Griffons in Welkom last weekend, said the younger players in the squad will have a responsibility to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the decorated scrumhalf.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I always say there’s a reason you have two ears and one mouth – you should listen more than you speak,” Volschenk added.

“Faf is the type of player I really respect. He comes with a lot of pedigree, and if he says something, I’m definitely going to listen.

“What makes it even better is that he’s the kind of player who backs up everything with his actions. He knows his job, he gives 100%, and that’s the sort of teammate you want alongside you.”

Victor Sekekte is not available to play against the SWD Eagles due to a family bereavement. Photo: Morgan Piek

Volschenk is expected to captain the Cheetahs again this weekend when they travel to George.

Lock Victor Sekekete will miss the match due to a family bereavement, while hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen could also be unavailable as his wife is expected to go into labour any day now.

Saturday’s SA Cup clash between the SWD Eagles and the Cheetahs at Outeniqua Park will kick-off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm