COVER FEATURE
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FAFOFF THE
BY BYRON LUKAS
Back in South Africa after years in England and Japan, double Rugby
World Cup winner Faf de Klerk talks home, family, the Cheetahs, and the ambition still driving him.
Faf de Klerk needs little introduction: a pocket-sized Springbok powerhouse, famous for fearless rugby, big personality, and unforgettable underpants.
After spells with Sale Sharks in England and Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan, De Klerk has returned to South Africa to begin a new chapter with the Cheetahs.
Behind the chaos, celebrations, and competitive fire is a player who has come to understand home differently with age and distance. He chats to Inbound SA about South Africa, heritage, rugby, and legacy.
HOME LOOKS DIFFERENT NOW For De Klerk, being proudly South African today is about more than waving the flag or singing the national anthem. It is about believing in the country, even when things are not exactly perfect.“ There’ s a lot of negativity in our country,” he says,“ but I think there’ s so much that this country can give.”
His view of heritage is refreshingly practical. Rather than simply complaining about
8 INBOUND SA / SEPTEMBER 2026