Faf confirmed unavailable for European tour

English club Sale Sharks have confirmed that Faf De Klerk will not be available for international selection come the Springboks end of year tour.

Earlier in the month reports indicated that Faf De Klerk would return to his club following the Rugby Championship, and Sale confirmed on Tuesday that De Klerk would not be avail for selection for the remainder of the test year.

De Klerk was available for the entire Rugby Championship, taking ownership of the number 9 Jersey.

However Sale confirmed via email “He was released to play for his country in the Rugby Championship, but no provision was made for next month’s tour.”

The Guardian reported earlier in the month that SA Rugby and Sale came to an agreement that would see De Klerk available only for club selection during November.

“We didn’t see the benefit of bringing him back during the break weeks, so he’ll come back to us after the Rugby Championship,” said Sale Director of Rugby Steve Diamond.

In a similar boat to De Klerk is fullback Willie Le Roux who plays for English club Wasps. Uncertainty remains about his selection availability come November but he could potentially feature against Wales and France, reported Netwerk 24.

After facing England outside of the international window (Novel,her 3rd), the Boks will then take on France (November 10), Scotland (November 17) and Wales (November 24).