ON THE BLIND SIDE
FAF de Klerk has been exploring potential future career options in Japan as the South African exodus from Sale Sharks steps up a pace.
Blindside understands that players haven't fully bought into Alex Sanderson's new-age coaching style and are looking to leave the club.
World Cup – winning scrumhalf De Klerk, 30, is understood to be under contract for at least another 18 months but has got an eye on jumping aboard the Oriental gravy train.
De Klerk joined Sale in 2017 from the Golden Lions and is currently out of action after needing an operation on a hip injury he suffered playing against the Lions last summer.
Sale, who have a dozen South Africans on their books, are set to lose JP du Preez, who, as we reported last week, is poised for a move across the Scotland border next season.
We understand that Lood de Jager, below, is set to return to South Africa, where the Cell CSharks have offered a lucrative deal when his contract runs out at the end of the season. The 2019 World Cup winner, who joined Sale when he returned from Japan, has moved regularly during his career after spending three years at the Cheetahs and another two at the Bulls.
The giant lock, who has recovered from two serious shoulder injuries, is believed to be keen to return home, and talks with the Sharks are at an advanced stage.
