De Klerk set to join English club

SPRINGBOK and Lions scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is the latest high profile South African player to quit the country and take up a contract in the northern hemisphere.

Yesterday English club Sale Sharks claimed that they had signed the lively halfback on a three-year deal as part of their ambitious plans to become a top club in the English Premier League.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said that De Klerk‚ who has 11 Springbok caps‚ was a key player in their push to challenge the country’s elite teams in the coming seasons.

But the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) would not confirm the move yesterday. Rudolf Straeuli‚ chief executive of the Lions Rugby Company said: “Negotiations are under way and I have not signed anything regarding the offer to [Faf ] de Klerk.

“The team is focused on their third game on tour and an official announcement will only once they are back.”

Sale though confirmed the move although they did not specify when De Klerk would join the club.

“I am made up that Faf has decided to join us next season‚” said Diamond‚ which indicates that there is a verbal‚ but not written agreement‚ in place.

“He is tenacious with a fantastic work rate – he dictates the tempo and direction of the game and I think he will fit in well both with our style of play‚ and with a young‚ ambitious be made squad.

“He’s an unbelievable ball carrier‚ has a solid kicking game and he is exciting around the pitch.

“He’s young but has massive experience and this will be crucial in helping us to build on the foundations we have put in place. Faf has the vision to see where the club is heading and wants to be part of it.

“This signing as well as the signings of Josh Strauss and Jono Ross will help us collectively achieve our desire to be a top of the table team.”