Faf de Klerk staying positive under lockdown

For World Cup hero and lively Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, the lockdown has meant being stuck in the Northern Cape as he has not been allowed to return to his English club Sale Sharks.
De Klerk, who has been at Sale since 2017 after playing 65 Super Rugby games for the Lions, admitted it had been a frustrating time but he was trying to make the best of the Covid-19 crisis.
“After the Premiership was suspended we were allowed to return home for a visit, but then the lockdown and border restrictions kicked in and we had to stay put,” the 28-year-old said.
“At the moment I’m in Postmasburg with my girlfriend (Mine van Niekerk) and her parents, and while it’s nice, I’m waiting for news on a possible repatriation flight next week to return to my club.
“At the moment I’m in constant talks with Sale but I’m in the dark, as is everyone else as to when we could resume training and playing, and we have to sit the situation out like everybody.”
De Klerk remained positive that the international season might resume in the next few months and was excited about what new Bok coach Jacques Nienaber could bring to the team.

“Obviously we know Jacques quite well and I think he will be the perfect fit,” said De Klerk, who has played 30 Tests since making his Bok debut in 2016.

“Personally I don’t think a lot will change and we should stick to what worked for us in the past.
“I presume he will still be in charge of the defence as he used to be while Rassie (Erasmus, national director of rugby) is still going to be heavily involved.”
De Klerk also had to take a salary cut at Sale after the English league was brought to a standstill, but it was a situation with which all players worldwide had to make peace.
“Play resuming in New Zealand next month is a positive sign and the latest we have heard is that we might resume training again by the end of June, but nothing is certain for the time being.”

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