1. Early Life and Education
François de Klerk's early life and education laid the foundation for his distinguished rugby career, beginning in his hometown and continuing through his schooling where his talent for the sport became evident.
1.1. Birth and Early Life
François de Klerk was born on 19 October 1991, in Nelspruit, which is now known as Mbombela, in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. From a young age, he was affectionately known by his nickname, "Faf." His introduction to rugby occurred during his time at Larschool Barkland in Nelspruit.
1.2. Education
De Klerk continued his education and rugby development at Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. It was at this school that he began to seriously pursue rugby, honing the skills that would later define his professional career.
2. Club Career
De Klerk's professional club rugby career has seen him play for several teams across South Africa, England, and Japan, contributing significantly to each squad.
2.1. Pumas
De Klerk began his professional rugby journey with the Pumas, a South African Currie Cup team based in Nelspruit. He played for the Pumas for three years, from 2012 to 2015, establishing himself as a promising scrum-half before transitioning to Super Rugby.
2.2. Lions
In 2014, De Klerk moved to the Lions, a Super Rugby team based in Johannesburg. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in a match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, which the Lions won 21-20. He remained with the Lions until 2017, making significant contributions to the team's performance in the Super Rugby competition.
2.3. Golden Lions
During his tenure with the Lions, De Klerk also participated in the Currie Cup competition with the Golden Lions. He represented the Golden Lions during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, further showcasing his abilities in South African domestic rugby.
2.4. Sale Sharks
Prior to the 2017-18 season, De Klerk made a significant move to the English Premiership, joining Sale Sharks on a three-year contract. His impactful performances quickly made him a fan favorite and a crucial player for the team. In December 2018, Sale Sharks announced that De Klerk had signed a contract extension, committing to the club until 2023. He played four seasons with the Sharks, departing the club at the end of the 2021-22 season.
2.5. Yokohama Canon Eagles
In June 2022, De Klerk announced his decision to move to Japan, signing with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One. He made his official debut in the Japanese league on 18 December 2022, coming on as a substitute in the first match of the 2022-23 Japan Rugby League One season against the Kobelco Kobe Steelers. At his entrance press conference in Japan, he expressed his desire to be called ファフさんFaf-sanJapanese by his new teammates and fans.
3. International Career
De Klerk's international career with the Springboks has been marked by significant milestones, including his debut, a period of ineligibility, and ultimately, a pivotal role in multiple Rugby World Cup victories.
3.1. Springboks Debut and Early Career
De Klerk's impressive form in Super Rugby earned him a call-up to the Springboks' 31-man squad in 2016 under then-coach Allister Coetzee. He made his test debut as the starting scrum-half in the opening match of the 2016 three-test series against Ireland at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. Although Ireland won the first test 26-20, the Springboks rallied to win the series 2-1, securing victories of 32-26 in Johannesburg and 19-13 in Port Elizabeth.
After joining Sale Sharks in 2017, De Klerk became ineligible to represent the Springboks due to a selection criterion that required players to have accumulated at least 30 international caps to play for the national team while based overseas. However, this rule was abolished in 2018, leading to his recall to the squad by new Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the 2018 three-test series against England.
3.2. Rugby World Cup Success
De Klerk was a key player in South Africa's victorious 2019 Rugby Championship campaign, which preceded his selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan. During the World Cup, he formed a crucial partnership with Handré Pollard at half-back, orchestrating the Springboks' attacking plays. His exceptional performance in the quarter-final match against Japan on 20 October, where he also scored a try in the 26-3 victory, earned him the Player of the Match award. De Klerk played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, starting in two pool matches and all of South Africa's play-off games. His high work rate and defensive prowess were particularly instrumental in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England, where South Africa secured a dominant 32-12 victory, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.
De Klerk continued to be a central figure for the Springboks and was part of the squad that successfully defended their title at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, further cementing his legacy as a two-time World Cup winner.
3.3. International Tries
The following table details François de Klerk's international tries for the South Africa national rugby union team:
| Try | Opposing team | Location | Venue | Competition | Date | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | Johannesburg, South Africa | Ellis Park Stadium | 2018 England rugby union tour of South Africa | 9 June 2018 | Win | 42 - 39 |
| 2 | Argentina | Durban, South Africa | Kings Park Stadium | 2018 Rugby Championship | 18 August 2018 | Win | 34 - 21 |
| 3 | Australia | Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium | 2018 Rugby Championship | 29 September 2018 | Win | 23 - 12 |
| 4 | Japan | Chōfu, Japan | Tokyo Stadium | 2019 Rugby World Cup | 20 October 2019 | Win | 3 - 26 |
| 5 | British & Irish Lions | Cape Town, South Africa | Cape Town Stadium | 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa | 24 July 2021 | Loss | 17 - 22 |
4. Awards and Recognition
François de Klerk has received numerous accolades throughout his career, both for his individual performances and as a key member of successful teams.
4.1. Individual Awards
De Klerk's exceptional skills and contributions have been recognized individually. In the 2022-23 season, he was named in the Japan Rugby League One Best 15 as a scrum-half, highlighting his impact in the Japanese league. He was also named Player of the Match during the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Japan.
4.2. Team Achievements
De Klerk has been part of several major team successes, including:
- 2019 Rugby Championship winner with the Springboks.
- 2019 Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks.
- 2023 Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks.
5. Playing Style and Impact
François de Klerk is renowned for his distinctive and highly impactful playing style, which has significantly influenced the teams he has played for and the sport of rugby itself.
De Klerk is known for his aggressive and high-energy approach to the game. As a scrum-half, he is a dynamic playmaker, frequently combining with his fly-half, such as Handré Pollard, to orchestrate attacks. His quick service from the breakdown, accurate kicking game, and fearless tackling despite his relatively small stature are hallmarks of his play. He is particularly noted for his exceptional work rate and defensive capabilities, often making crucial tackles and turnovers that disrupt opposition attacks. His ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his relentless pressure on opponents, has made him a vital asset for both his club and national teams. His performances, particularly in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, where his movement and defense were key to containing the England team, underscore his immense influence on the field.