Faf De Klerk – Bio, Age, Height, Wife, World Cup Wins

François “Faf” de Klerk has become one of the most recognisable figures in world rugby. As a scrum-half for South Africa, he played a central role in two Rugby World Cup victories and built a reputation for fearless, high-energy performances. This article covers his biography, physical stats, personal life, career achievements, injury history, and what lies ahead.

Born in Nelspruit on 19 October 1991, De Klerk stands 171 cm tall and weighs 88 kg. Known for his distinctive hairstyle, aggressive defence, and pinpoint box kicks, he has carved out a unique place in the modern game. His journey from the Blue Bulls youth system to the world stage is a story of determination and relentless effort.

As of 2026, De Klerk remains active internationally. He was called up to the Barbarians in June 2026 and continues to compete at a high level. This article brings together verified facts from official sources, recent news, and career statistics to provide a complete picture of the player.

Faf de Klerk Height, Weight, and Age

Key Insights

• De Klerk is one of the most decorated Springboks, having won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
• He missed most of the 2024 season due to an unspecified injury but returned to action with the Barbarians in June 2026.
• Despite his relatively small stature, his speed, tenacity, and tactical kicking make him a key asset on the field.
• His energetic playing style and distinctive look have earned him a global fan following.
• He has played for top clubs in South Africa, England, and Japan, and was listed as a Barbarian in 2026.

Key Facts about Faf de Klerk

Faf de Klerk Wife and Personal Life

De Klerk is married to Miné de Klerk (née van Niekerk). The couple tied the knot in 2022. Contrary to some reports that mention the name “Annemari”, verified sources confirm that his wife is Miné. The couple have two daughters: Remi-Ré and Yuke, who was born in November 2025.

De Klerk keeps his family life relatively private. He has spoken in interviews about the importance of his support system, but does not regularly share personal details in public forums. His family has been a constant presence throughout his career, particularly during the challenging injury period of 2024 and 2025.

Net Worth and Salary

De Klerk’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. Estimates circulating online vary widely, with figures between £1.5 million and £3 million often cited, but no official confirmation exists. His contracts with Sale Sharks in the English Premiership and later with Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan’s Rugby League One would have placed him among the higher-earning scrum-halves, but specific salary details remain private.

Faf de Klerk Springboks Career and World Cup Wins

De Klerk made his Springboks debut in 2016 against Ireland. He quickly established himself as the first-choice scrum-half, known for his aggressive defensive work and intelligent tactical kicking. His breakthrough came during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he started all knockout matches and was named Player of the Match in the quarter-final against Japan, scoring a try in that game. South Africa defeated England 32–12 in the final to lift the trophy.

He was also part of the 2019 Rugby Championship winning squad. Four years later, he was again a key member of the Springboks squad that won the 2023 Rugby World Cup, securing back-to-back titles. As of 2026, De Klerk has won two World Cups, a feat achieved by only a select group of players in the sport’s history.

Teams Played For

De Klerk’s professional journey began with the Blue Bulls in 2009. He later moved to the Golden Lions, then the Pumas, before returning to the Lions for his Super Rugby debut in 2014. In 2017 he joined Sale Sharks in England, where he played until 2020. He then moved to Japan to play for the Yokohama Canon Eagles. As of 2026, he is listed as playing for the Barbarians and remains under contract with the Canon Eagles.

Career Statistics

By the end of the 2019 World Cup, De Klerk had earned 30 test caps for South Africa and scored 4 tries for the national team. In the English Premiership, he accrued 49 caps and scored 9 tries for Sale Sharks. His try-scoring record for the Springboks includes a memorable score in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final against Japan.

Faf de Klerk Injury Update and Return to Rugby

De Klerk missed most of the Springboks’ 2024 season due to injury. Official sources from the South African Rugby Union confirm that he was only involved in two Test matches in 2025. The specific nature of his injury has not been publicly disclosed, but the layoff was significant enough to keep him out of the national squad for an extended period.

In June 2026, De Klerk made a high-profile return by accepting a call-up to the Barbarians for a fixture against Wales. This selection signals that he is back to full fitness and aiming to reclaim the Springboks No. 9 jersey for the 2026 season and beyond.

What is the latest update on Faf de Klerk?

As of mid-2026, De Klerk has returned to competitive rugby with the Barbarians. He is working towards a potential Springboks recall ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. His move back to South African rugby with the Cheetahs in 2025 was part of a broader plan to re-establish himself at the international level.

How did Faf de Klerk’s career unfold over the years?

1. 1991: Born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
2. 2009: Began professional career with the Blue Bulls.
3. 2012: Professional debut for the Lions.
4. 2014: Super Rugby debut for the Lions.
5. 2016: Springboks debut against Ireland.
6. 2017: Joined Sale Sharks in England.
7. 2019: Won Rugby World Cup with South Africa; named Player of the Match in quarter-final against Japan.
8. 2020: Moved to Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan.
9. 2023: Won second Rugby World Cup.
10. 2024: Missed most of the season due to injury.
11. 2025: Signed with Cheetahs in South Africa; played only two Test matches.
12. 2026 (June): Called up to the Barbarians for a match against Wales.

What information about Faf de Klerk is confirmed and what remains unclear?

What is Faf de Klerk’s impact and legacy in rugby?

Faf de Klerk’s influence on the game extends well beyond his individual statistics. His unique playing style — combining a low centre of gravity, aggressive defence, and pinpoint box kicks — has reshaped expectations for the scrum-half role in modern rugby. He was instrumental in the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup triumphs, providing tactical control and tempo in the biggest matches.

Off the field, De Klerk has built a strong personal brand. He has partnered with Nike and launched his own lifestyle brand, Faffies. His return to South African rugby with the Cheetahs signals a new chapter, and the Barbarians invitation in 2026 underscores his continued value to the game at the highest level.

His legacy is already secure as one of South Africa’s most successful scrum-halves. The question now is whether he can add a third World Cup winners medal in 2027.

Where can reliable information about Faf de Klerk be found?

The most authoritative source for De Klerk’s career data is the Springboks official profile, maintained by the South African Rugby Union. Wikipedia also provides a comprehensive biography covering his early life, career, and personal life. For recent news, Planet Rugby published an interview with De Klerk in June 2026, and RugbyPass reported on his Barbarians call-up. Further statistics can be found on World Rugby’s player database.

“Once you lose that amazing feeling, you should rather stop.”

— Faf de Klerk, Planet Rugby interview (June 2026)

“He was a key member of the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning teams.”

— Springboks official profile

What is next for Faf de Klerk?

With his return to form and the Cheetahs move, De Klerk is positioning himself for a potential Springboks recall ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup — South Africa’s victory and the 2027 tournament. The Barbarians fixture serves as a proving ground for his fitness and form. Fans will also watch for developments in his off-field ventures, including his Faffies brand. Injury management remains key, but at 34 years old, De Klerk has shown he still has the hunger to compete at the highest level.

Frequently asked questions about Faf de Klerk