Faf’s Rugby Championship could be limited due to club commitments

Incumbent Bok scrumhalf Faf De Klerk may not feature in all the Rugby Championship games, due to club limitations.

De Klerk, playing for English club Sale Sharks, was one of just a few overseas based players recalled for the Springbok’s June series against England. Subsequently he played a huge role in securing a 2-1 series victory for the Boks.

However it appears that his international game time may be limited come the Rugby Championship as Sale are not keen on him featuring in all the matches.

This news follows a report that fullback Willie Le Roux (another foreign based player in the Springbok mix) will feature in only three of the six games in the competition.

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In speaking with Netwerk24 a spokesperson for Sale said that there was “not an agreement as such” (with regards to De Klerk) but added that “I think all involved parties would have to compromise to make sure everyone is happy.”

The news make sense following Rassie Erasmus’ inclusion of four scrum halves – De Klerk, Ivan van Zyl, Embrose Papier and Ross Cronje – in his 35-man Rugby Championship squad. Cronje did not feature in the June series or the Welsh test.

In the meantime, while Le Roux remains the preferred starting option at fullback, his game time will be managed as Erasmus expressed an eagerness to blood young talent Damian Willemse at fullback.