Bok snub not the reason, says Faf
RELEASED: LIONS SCRUMHALF CONFIRMS SALE MOVE
He says he will miss the camaraderie with his Lions ‘brothers’.
Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk denied yesterday that the snub he received from the national selectors played a role in him leaving the Lions for the Sale Sharks in greater Manchester.
The Lions Rugby Company confirmed yesterday that they have released De Klerk, who was under contract until November next year, to the Sale Sharks on a threeyear-deal at the end of the Super Rugby season.
“I have loved every minute with the Lions and will miss the camaraderie with my brothers,” said De Klerk, who requested the Lions release him early from his contract.
“It is a special bunch of players that are more than team-mates to me and I’m thankful for the opportunity the Lions gave me.”
After being left out of the Lions squad for the last two games overseas – against the Rebels and the Brumbies – De Klerk was yesterday included on the bench for tomorrow’s Super Rugby clash against the Bulls at Ellis Park.
De Klerk said his loyalty shouldn’t be questioned in his final stint with the Lions.
“I am fully committed to the Super Rugby campaign for the rest of the season,” he said.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann made three changes yesterday for the Bulls clash with Jacques van Rooyen, Malcolm Marx and Ruan Dreyer starting in the front row ahead of Corne Fourie, Robbie Coetzee and Johannes Jonker.
On the bench, De Klerk has replaced Dillon Smit, while hooker Akker van der Merwe has been added.
Ackermann said Boks like Jaco Kriel and wing Ruan Combrinck are not yet ready to return.
“I spoke to Ruan last Sunday following the match against the Welwitschias and explained to him there are a few areas in his game he still needs to work on,” said Ackerman.
“Jaco might return next week, but ideally only after the June window if he is not involved with the national team.”