ReportSpringboksRugby36544m ago

Faf de Klerk facing eight-week layoff after Cheetahs' Challenge Cup opener

Faf de Klerk is sidelined for eight weeks with an ankle injury sustained in the Cheetahs' Challenge Cup loss to Bayonne, with an expected return in early January.

Faf de Klerk will miss approximately eight weeks of action after sustaining an ankle injury during the Cheetahs' EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Bayonne last month, a match the Bloemfontein side lost 29-27 despite looking set for a historic away win.

The 35-year-old scrumhalf is expected to return in early January, targeting Round Three of the Challenge Cup when the Cheetahs travel to face Zebre Parma. He will miss next month's Round Two clash against the Dragons.

De Klerk has been a central figure for the Cheetahs since joining from Japan, guiding them through a strong Currie Cup campaign that ended at the semifinal stage against the Pumas. His last Springbok appearance came against Georgia in Mbombela in 2025.

Sources

Rugby365https://rugby365.com/countries/south-africa/cheetahs-dealt-injury-blow-to-bok-star-faf-de-klerk/

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