The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has signed a two-year deal with the Bloemfontein-based side, and while he may be approaching the twilight of his playing days, retirement is not on his mind just yet. In fact, the 34-year-old still has a burning desire to represent the Springboks at another Rugby World Cup.

For now, however, De Klerk’s full focus is on making an impact at the Cheetahs and contributing in a meaningful way – something that could start next weekend when they host the Lions in round one of the Currie Cup.

Faf de Klerk - Morgan Piek

Should De Klerk make his debut against his former team, it will be a special full-circle moment in his career. When he made his Lions debut back in 2014, it was against the Cheetahs, and now his first appearance in the famous orange jersey could come against the very team where his professional journey began.

The experienced scrumhalf is currently nursing a hip-pointer niggle, but he has already joined the Cheetahs in training following his recent international commitments with the Springboks and the Barbarians in London.

One thing that immediately stands out when watching De Klerk train is his presence. Despite standing at just 5 ft 8, the World Cup winner is larger than life on the field and commands attention through his energy, communication, and competitive nature.

He carries himself with confidence, but also with a willingness to share his knowledge with his new teammates. After all, there are not many players who can call on the experience of 60 Tests for the Springboks, two World Cup titles, and years of playing at the highest level in South Africa, England, and Japan.

De Klerk told OFM Sport that being back in Bloemfontein is exciting, especially as it allows him to spend more time with his family, while potentially making his Cheetahs debut against the Lions would add extra meaning.

“It’s special – I’ve said this a lot, but it is great to be back and I’m very excited to be home,” said De Klerk.

Faf de Klerk - Morgan Piek

“We love Bloemfontein and we love the Cheetahs. My parents actually told me that my first game was against the Cheetahs when I was at the Lions, and now my first game for the Cheetahs will be against the Lions, so it’s quite cool how it has gone full circle.

“I’m really excited to get stuck in and see what we can do.”

De Klerk added that while coaching is not something he is actively considering at this stage, he believes it is important to pass on the knowledge and lessons he has gained throughout his career.

Faf de Klerk sharing knowledge with his new teammates - Morgan Piek

“I haven’t really thought about it too much, but I’ve always believed that if you can help someone out, it will be better for the team,” he told OFM Sport.

“If you keep things to yourself and only want to do well for yourself, it can have a negative effect on the rest of the guys. If I see something that can help them, or they see something that can help me, then that’s fantastic.

“If we can create an environment where we build each other up, rather than keeping things to ourselves, that’s the main thing.

“If I can help out in any way, or if coaching needs to be done somewhere, I will do that 100%. It’s not something I’m really looking to do right now, but I will definitely stay involved and help where I can.”

The former Matie, Simon Miller, is another one of the new player at the Cheetahs - Morgan Piek

While De Klerk’s arrival is a major boost for the Cheetahs, the team has also been dealt two significant injury setbacks ahead of the Currie Cup.

The Namibian international hooker Chucky van der Westhuizen has suffered an ankle injury that requires surgery and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months. Flanker Gideon van der Merwe, meanwhile, ruptured his Achilles tendon and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Cheetahs will open their Currie Cup campaign on Sunday, 19 July, when they host the Lions at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport