Springbok Faf de Klerk latest Japan Rugby League One recruit

World Cup winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk will be joining Japanese side Yokohama Canon Eagles after leaving Sale Sharks at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old departs the Sharks after four seasons with the club and helped them to a third-placed finish in the Premiership last season.

De Klerk reinvigorated his Springboks career during his time with Sale.

He went on to win the World Cup with South Africa after beating England 32-12 in the final in Japan in 2019.

“Now it is a reality and I can’t wait to get stuck in with my teammates and coaches and hopefully make a big impact,” he said in a statement released by the team.

“The Japanese culture is amazing and I look forward to enjoying every moment with my partner, teammates and all the rugby fans of Japan.”

De Klerk joins a Yokohama side who finished sixth in Japan Rugby League One and also have Springbok Jesse Kriel in their ranks.

Fellow South Africans Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie le Roux, Lukhanyo Am and Malcolm Marx all played in the league this season, which concluded on Sunday.