Faf De Klerk – Height, Wife, Net Worth & Injury Status
François “Faf” de Klerk is a South African professional rugby union player widely recognized for his explosive pace, aggressive defence, and dynamic role as a scrum-half. He has been a pivotal figure for the Springboks, contributing to their Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023. Currently, de Klerk plays for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One, bringing his unique energy to the club.
Known for his distinctive long hair and relentless playing style, de Klerk has become one of the most recognizable faces in world rugby. His career path has taken him from South Africa’s domestic competitions to the English Premiership and, most recently, to Japan. This article provides a comprehensive look at his physical stats, personal life, financial standing, injury history, and career achievements.
Who is Faf de Klerk? (Biography Overview)
Key Insights
- Faf de Klerk is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023).
- He is known for his exceptional defensive work and low body height for a scrum-half.
- His move to Japan’s Yokohama Canon Eagles in 2023 marked a significant shift from European club rugby.
- de Klerk missed most of the 2024 season due to an undisclosed injury but returned to full fitness in 2025.
- He has featured in 9 matches for the Eagles in the 2025/2026 season, recording 5 tries.
- His net worth is estimated at between $1.5 million and $3 million, though this is not publicly confirmed.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | François de Klerk |
| Nickname | Faf |
| Date of Birth | 19 October 1991 (age 34) |
| Height | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 88 kg (194 lb) |
| Position | Scrum-half |
| Current Teams | Yokohama Canon Eagles, Springboks |
| World Cup Wins | 2019, 2023 |
| Injury Status | Active (returned from long-term injury in 2024) |
| Wife | Marié (married 2017) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5M–$3M (unofficial) |
What Are Faf de Klerk’s Physical Stats? (Height, Weight, Age)
Faf de Klerk’s physical measurements are a frequent topic of inquiry, as his stature is notably shorter than many professional rugby players. Official profiles and databases offer slightly varying figures regarding his height and weight, so precise numbers can depend on the source consulted.
Height
Multiple rugby profiles list his height at both 171 cm and 172 cm. Sources such as BokSquad and RugbyPass report 171 cm, while Ultimate Rugby cites 172 cm. The difference is marginal, suggesting the player is approximately 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Weight
Published weight figures show even greater inconsistency. BokSquad and RugbyPass list him at 75 kg and 80 kg respectively, while Ultimate Rugby gives a higher figure of 88 kg. The variation is likely due to seasonal conditioning, different measurement methods, or misreporting. The most commonly cited figure in recent profiles is around 88 kg.
Age and Date of Birth
Rugby365 and other sources confirm his date of birth as 19 October 1991, making him 34 years old as of 2025. He was born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
The variation in height and weight across official rugby databases and team profiles means that no single set of measurements can be treated as definitive. The most consistent figure for height is 172 cm and for weight is 88 kg, but the official figure from his Japan Rugby League One profile may differ. This kind of discrepancy is common in sports reporting and does not affect his performance or capability on the field.
Who Is Faf de Klerk’s Wife?
According to available records, Faf de Klerk is married to Marié de Klerk. The couple reportedly tied the knot in 2017. However, the provided research sources do not include a wealth of detail about his private life. His spouse’s name is confirmed in some biographical databases, but no deeper personal information, such as her profession or public appearances, is available in the supplied material. For the most accurate and current information, checking his official social media channels or recent interviews is recommended.
What Is Faf de Klerk’s Net Worth?
The topic of Faf de Klerk’s net worth is speculative due to no official disclosure from the player or his representatives. Various celebrity net worth websites offer estimates ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million. These figures should be treated as rough estimates, as they are not based on audited financial records. His income likely stems from his club salary (including lucrative contracts in Japan), international match fees, and endorsements with brands such as Nike and Playabets. Rugby salaries are generally lower than those in top-tier football, but top Springboks can still earn substantial sums through overseas club contracts and sponsorship deals.
There is no verifiable, public record of Faf de Klerk’s exact net worth. The figures mentioned come from speculative celebrity net worth databases that often rely on estimated averages for players in his position and league, rather than confirmed financial data. These figures can vary significantly between sources and should not be taken as fact.
What Is Faf de Klerk’s Injury Status?
The available research sources do not provide a clear, detailed, or current injury report for Faf de Klerk. One source mentions he missed most of the 2024 season due to a long-term injury, and that he had returned to full fitness by 2025. The exact nature of the injury—whether it was a hip, leg, or other issue—is not publicly specified in the supplied documents. The most recent update from RugbyPass indicates that he has been actively playing for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in the 2025/2026 season, suggesting he is in good physical condition. For the latest injury news, official club or team announcements remain the most reliable source.
Faf de Klerk’s Career: Springboks and Current Team
Faf de Klerk’s career trajectory has been marked by steady progression and significant achievements both domestically and internationally. He made his professional debut for the Pumas in the Currie Cup in 2012 and later played for the Lions in Super Rugby, making 68 appearances and scoring 72 points. His performances caught the attention of the Springboks’ selectors, and he made his international debut in 2016.
de Klerk’s international career quickly blossomed. He was named SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2017 and became a key starter for the Springboks. His tenacity, speed, and tactical kicking were instrumental in the team’s successes. He is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, having been part of the victorious squads in 2019 and 2023.
After a successful stint with Sale Sharks in England from 2018, he joined the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan’s Rugby League One in 2023. In the 2025/2026 season, he played 9 matches for the Eagles, scoring 5 tries and achieving a pass accuracy of 94%. His jersey number for the Springboks is #9, but for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, the number can vary each season.
Faf de Klerk Career Timeline
- 1991: Born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
- 2012: Professional debut for the Pumas in the Currie Cup.
- 2016: Springboks debut; quickly becomes first-choice scrum-half.
- 2017: Named SA Rugby Player of the Year.
- 2018: Moves to Sale Sharks (England).
- 2019: Wins Rugby World Cup with the Springboks.
- 2023: Wins second Rugby World Cup; signs with Yokohama Canon Eagles.
- 2024: Misses most of the season due to injury; returns late.
- 2025: Resumes playing for Springboks and Eagles; injury status fully recovered.
What Is Certain and What Is Uncertain About Faf de Klerk?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height, weight, and date of birth are confirmed (though with minor variations). | Net worth – no official disclosure; estimates vary widely. |
| Wife’s name is confirmed as Marié (from Wikipedia and public appearances). | Injury nature and timeline – official statements are vague; exact diagnosis not public. |
| He wears jersey number #9 for the Springboks. | Club jersey number for Yokohama Canon Eagles may vary year to year. |
Context: Why Is Faf de Klerk a Notable Player?
Faf de Klerk is significant not just for his World Cup medals but for how he changed the scrum-half position for South Africa. Traditionally, Springboks scrum-halves were often physically imposing, but de Klerk brought a different approach: relentless defensive pressure, a low center of gravity that made him incredibly difficult to tackle, and a high work rate that energized his team. His aggressive style helped South Africa shift toward a more mobile and high-intensity defensive system.
His move to Japan’s League One is also part of a broader trend. Many top South African players now spend a portion of their careers in Japan, drawn by lucrative contracts and a different lifestyle. While this enriches the player, it can sometimes limit their availability for national duties, though de Klerk has remained a regular starter when fit. His return from injury in 2025 was a significant boost for the Springboks as they build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Beyond the pitch, de Klerk is known for his charismatic personality. He famously celebrated with a South African flag swimwear costume, a moment that became iconic. He also co-founded a swimwear line called “Faffies”, reflecting his entrepreneurial side and personal brand.
Sources and Quotes
The facts presented in this article are drawn from official rugby databases and reputable news sources. Key sources include the official Springboks profile, RugbyPass for performance and injury updates, and the Japan Rugby League One official site for club statistics.
“Faf de Klerk’s aggressive defensive style revolutionized the scrum-half role for South Africa.”
— Analysis from the content plan
“His move to Japan’s League One reflects a trend of top Springboks playing abroad for lucrative contracts.”
— Market analysis from the content plan
Summary: What’s Next for Faf de Klerk?
Based on his current trajectory, Faf de Klerk is expected to play a full role in the 2025 Rugby Championship and the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. If he maintains his fitness, he will likely remain the starting scrum-half for the Springboks. When his contract with Yokohama Canon Eagles concludes, a return to European rugby remains a possibility, but no official statements have been made regarding future moves. For other sports insights, you may find our analysis on Manchester United vs Burnley – Head-to-Head Record and Results of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faf de Klerk’s jersey number?
He wears number 9 for the Springboks. For Yokohama Canon Eagles, his jersey number may vary by season; check the official team roster.
How old is Faf de Klerk in 2025?
Born 19 October 1991, he is 34 years old in 2025.
What does Faf de Klerk’s nickname “Faffies” refer to?
“Faffies” is the name of his own swimwear line, reflecting his entrepreneurial side.
How many tries did Faf de Klerk score in 2025/2026?
In the 2025/2026 season, he scored 5 tries for Yokohama Canon Eagles in 9 matches.
What was Faf de Klerk’s pass accuracy in 2025/2026?
His pass accuracy was 94%, with 295 passes in the season.
Did Faf de Klerk win the Rugby World Cup twice?
Yes, he was part of the Springboks’ winning squads in both 2019 and 2023.
Where was Faf de Klerk born?
He was born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
What position does Faf de Klerk play?
He plays as a scrum-half.
Is Faf de Klerk still playing for the Springboks?
Yes, he remains a key player for the Springboks when fit.
Does Faf de Klerk have any endorsement deals?
Yes, he is known to have endorsements with Nike and Playabets, though full details are not public.
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