Francois de Klerk, known as Faf de Klerk, born on 19 October 1991, is a South African professional rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half for the Japan Rugby League One club Yokohama Canon Eagles and the South Africa national team.
You can follow Faf de Klerk’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, and more here.
Faf de Klerk’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Faf de Klerk’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. The Springboks scrum-half’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Faf de Klerk earns a salary of $1,492,505.00 per year as a rugby player for the Yokohama Canon Eagles.
In addition to his salary, de Klerk earns money from brand endorsements and his annual club contract.
De Klerk’s income has significantly increased, especially after his move to the Yokohama Canon Eagles.
According to a report, de Klerk’s move to Japan was worth around R18.5 million annually.
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Yokohama Canon Eagles | $1,492,505.00 |
Endorsements
De Klerk, a prominent South African rugby union player, has been associated with several brands throughout his career.
One of his notable brand endorsements is with iPRO, a healthy hydration brand.
In addition to iPRO, de Klerk has also been involved with the video-sharing platform Cameo.
About Faf de Klerk
| Full name | Francois de Klerk |
| Nickname | Faf |
| Date of birth | 19 October 1991 |
| Place of birth | Nelspruit, Transvaal, Republic of South Africa |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 80 kg (180 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Miné van Niekerk |
| Instagram Profile | @fafster09 |
He grew up in a region known for its passion for rugby, which undoubtedly influenced his early interest in the sport.
He attended Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his professional rugby career.
Club Career
Faf de Klerk began his professional career with the Golden Lions, a South African rugby union team based in Johannesburg.
He later moved to the Sale Sharks, a professional rugby union club from the English Premiership, where he made significant contributions and became a key player.
In 2022, he signed with the Yokohama Canon Eagles, a Japan Rugby League One team.
International Career
Faf de Klerk’s career with the South Africa national rugby team, also known as the Springboks, has been marked by significant achievements and key performances.
He debuted for the Springboks 2016 during a three-test match series against Ireland.
Despite losing the first test, the Springboks clinched the series with victories in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
In 2017, de Klerk became ineligible to represent the Springboks due to having fewer than 30 caps.
However, this selection criterion was abolished in 2018, and de Klerk was recalled to the team for a 3-test match series against England.
De Klerk’s most notable achievement with the Springboks came in 2019 when he was part of the team that won the Rugby World Cup.
His performance throughout the tournament was highly praised, with him being described as a standout player.
In the 2023 Rugby World Cup, de Klerk earned his 50th cap for South Africa in their opening match against Scotland.
He also played a crucial role in South Africa’s victory against France, emerging in all the right places when needed.
Wife
Faf de Klerk is married to Miné van Niekerk. Miné is a pharmacist by profession and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.
She graduated in 2016 and worked at her father’s pharmacy in Postmasburg, a town in the Northern Cape.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Details |
| Test debut | 11 June 2016 against Ireland |
| Total Test matches | 51 |
| Total points scored in Test matches | 25 |
| Rugby World Cup appearances | 2 (2019, 2023) |
| Rugby World Cup victories | 1 (2019) |
| Total Rugby World Cup matches | 12 |
| Total points scored in Rugby World Cup matches | 5 |
| Current club | Yokohama Canon Eagles |
| Previous clubs | Golden Lions, Lions, Sale Sharks |
FAQs
Who is Faf de Klerk?
Faf de Klerk, whose full name is François de Klerk, is a South African professional rugby player born on October 19, 1991, in Nelspruit (now Mbombela). He plays as a scrum-half for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One and the South African national team, the Springboks.
What teams has Faf de Klerk played for?
De Klerk has played for several teams throughout his career. He started with the Pumas in the Currie Cup, then moved to the Lions in Super Rugby. He later joined Sale Sharks in the English Premiership before moving to Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan.
What are some of Faf de Klerk’s major achievements?
De Klerk has had a highly successful career. He was part of the South African team winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He was also named Player of the Match in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final against Japan and has been a key player in various international and club competitions.
How many international caps does Faf de Klerk have?
As of the latest information, Faf de Klerk has earned 46 caps for the South African national team. He made his debut for the Springboks in 2016 against Ireland.
What position does Faf de Klerk play?
De Klerk plays as a scrum-half, a crucial position responsible for linking the forwards and the backs, distributing the ball, and often making tactical kicks.
What are Faf de Klerk’s physical attributes?
De Klerk stands at 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall and weighs around 88 kg (194 lbs). Despite his relatively small stature as a rugby player, he is known for his tenacity, speed, and tactical understanding.
Is Faf de Klerk married?
Yes, Faf de Klerk is married to Miné van Niekerk. The couple got married in 2022 after being together since 2015. They recently announced the arrival of their first child in early 2024.
What was Faf de Klerk’s role in the 2019 Rugby World Cup?
De Klerk was a key player for South Africa during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He started in the final against England, which South Africa won 32-12. His performance throughout the tournament was instrumental in the Springboks’ success.
What is Faf de Klerk’s background in rugby?
De Klerk began playing rugby at a young age and honed his skills at Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria. He played for the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions at youth levels before debuting professionally with the Pumas in 2012.
Has Faf de Klerk faced any significant challenges in his career?
Yes, de Klerk faced a period of ineligibility for the Springboks when he moved to Sale Sharks due to South Africa’s selection criteria. However, this rule was abolished in 2018, allowing him to return to the national team. He has also had to overcome the challenges of adapting to different playing styles and conditions in various leagues worldwide.
