Frans: Faf’s not going anywhere

Coach Frans Steyn says the Cheetahs will not loan Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk to the Stormers.

Last week, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson told Rapport that De Klerk was among the experienced scrumhalves being considered as a short-term option for the 2026-27 season.

The Cape side is looking to strengthen its depth at No 9 following Dewaldt Duvenage’s retirement and a serious knee injury to Imad Khan.

De Klerk, who has been playing for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, will not be heading to Cape Town, though.

“We aren’t going to do it,” Steyn said on Wednesday.

Steyn revealed that he and Dobson had discussed the possibility last Friday, but said reports of a potential move emerged before he had been able to consult the relevant parties in Bloemfontein.

“There were a number of things that still needed to happen before we could take negotiations any further,” he said.

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Steyn added that the Cheetahs had not yet spoken to main sponsor Toyota, who “have a major say in the matter”, and pointed to other scrumhalves who could potentially provide the Stormers with cover.

“There are scrumhalves available such as [Boland’s] Louis Schreuder and others at Griquas,” he said, referring to two teams that have partnerships with the Stormers.

But Steyn left no room for doubt over the Cheetahs’ position on De Klerk.

“Faf isn’t going to the Cape. He is staying with Free State.”

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Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images