Faf De Klerk – Height Age Wife Net Worth Career
Two‑time Rugby World Cup winner, energetic scrum‑half, and a key figure in South African rugby for nearly a decade – Faf de Klerk’s career combines World Cup glory, club moves across three continents, and a growing family. Born François de Klerk on 19 October 1991, the 34‑year‑old currently plays for Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One while remaining a Springbok squad member, though his place in the national pecking order has slipped to fourth.
De Klerk started every knockout match of the 2019 World Cup campaign, helping South Africa beat England 32‑12 in the final, and added a second title in 2023. His fearless defensive style and rapid distribution have made him one of the most recognisable players in the sport. Despite his experience, he was left out of the 49‑man Springbok alignment camp for 2026, a sign that the national side is looking toward younger scrum‑halves.
Off the field, de Klerk is married to Miné, with two daughters, and his estimated net worth ranges between US$4 million and US$6 million. His annual salary is reported at over R21 million (about US$1.1 million). The following sections break down his physical stats, personal life, career trajectory, and the biggest questions around his future.
Faf de Klerk Height
Faf de Klerk stands 1.72 m tall (5 ft 8 in) and weighs about 80 kg (176 lb). His compact frame has never been a disadvantage; on the contrary, his low centre of gravity and aggressive tackling have become hallmarks of his game. Official sources, including his Springboks player profile, confirm these measurements.
Key facts at a glance
- Full name: François “Faf” de Klerk
- Date of birth: 19 October 1991
- Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Weight: 80 kg (176 lb)
- Position: Scrum‑half
- Current club: Yokohama Canon Eagles (Japan Rugby League One)
- International team: South Africa (Springboks, 2016–present)
- World Cup wins: 2019, 2023
Key insights
- Two‑time Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023) and a key playmaker for South Africa.
- Known for his distinctive long blonde hair and aggressive defensive style for a scrum‑half.
- After a stint in Japan, returned to play for the Cheetahs and earned a Barbarians call‑up in 2026 (though this has not been independently confirmed by the available sources).
- His net worth is estimated from rugby contracts and endorsements, but exact figures are not officially disclosed.
Player snapshot
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | François de Klerk |
| Nickname | Faf |
| Born | 19 October 1991 (age 34, turning 35 in Oct 2026) |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) |
| Spouse | Miné de Klerk (married 2022) |
| Net worth | Estimated US$4 million – US$6 million |
| International debut | 2016 vs Australia |
| World Cup titles | 2019, 2023 |
Faf de Klerk Age
Born on 19 October 1991 in Nelspruit, South Africa, Faf de Klerk is currently 34 years old and will turn 35 in October 2026. At age 27 he helped South Africa win the 2019 World Cup while playing for Sale Sharks in England. His age and experience place him among the older scrum‑halves in the Springbok system, but he has shown no signs of slowing down in Japan Rugby League One.
De Klerk’s age is a point of discussion because the Springbok coaching staff has begun cycling younger scrum‑halves such as Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Morné van den Berg. That shift contributed to his absence from the 2026 alignment camp.
Faf de Klerk Wife
Faf de Klerk is married to Miné de Klerk (née van Niekerk). The couple wed in 2022 and have two daughters: Remi‑Ré and Yuke, who was born in November 2025. Miné’s father runs a pharmacy in Postmasburg, and the family background has been noted in career profiles. De Klerk has shared glimpses of his family life on social media, though he generally keeps personal matters private.
Earlier in his career, de Klerk was linked to various relationships, but he has been firmly settled with Miné for several years. The couple often appear together at rugby events and in behind‑the‑scenes content from his clubs.
Faf de Klerk Net Worth
His net worth is estimated between US$4 million and US$6 million, based on salary, contracts, and endorsements. His annual salary is reported to be over R21 million (roughly US$1.1 million), a figure that reflects his status as a top international player. However, exact financial details are not publicly disclosed, and different media outlets offer slightly varying figures.
De Klerk took what he described as a “massive pay cut” when he moved to Japan to join Yokohama Canon Eagles, a system run by two former Springboks with 166 combined caps. That move was motivated more by rugby environment than by money.
Net worth estimates come from aggregator sites and social media reports. No official financial statement from de Klerk or his management is available, so all numbers should be treated as informed estimates.
Faf de Klerk Springboks
De Klerk made his Springbok debut in 2016 against Australia and quickly became a regular starter. He was instrumental in both World Cup victories, especially the 2019 campaign where he started every knockout match. His jersey number for the Springboks is 9, a role he has held for most of his international career. At club level he has worn 9 for the Lions, Sale Sharks, and Yokohama Canon Eagles, and occasionally 21 during his time at Sale.
Despite his World Cup credentials, de Klerk now ranks as the fourth‑choice scrum‑half behind Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Morné van den Berg. The 2026 Springbok alignment camp excluded him, suggesting the coaching staff are prioritising younger options for the upcoming Rugby Championship and the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Career moves that shaped his Springbok path
De Klerk famously turned down offers from Sale Sharks, Perpignan, Pau, and Newcastle Red Bulls to sign a two‑year contract with the Cheetahs – a franchise that had been saved from bankruptcy by a consortium of ten local businessmen. That decision kept him in South Africa and eventually led to his move to Japan, where he continues to play at a high level.
Faf de Klerk Career Timeline
- – Born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
- – Joined the Golden Lions academy.
- – Moved to the Lions (Super Rugby).
- – Springbok debut vs Australia; gained the nickname “Faf” early in his career.
- – – Played for Sale Sharks in England (5 seasons, 95 appearances, 241 points).
- – Won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa (started every knockout match).
- – – Moved to Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One.
- – Won his second Rugby World Cup.
- – Returned to South Africa and signed with the Cheetahs.
- – Excluded from the 49‑man Springbok alignment camp; remains fourth‑choice scrum‑half.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Height, weight, age, birth date confirmed by official sources (Wikipedia, Springboks). | Net worth is not officially disclosed; figures vary across media reports. |
| Marital status: married to Miné de Klerk – confirmed in interviews. | Plans after the 2026 season – speculation about retirement or continued play. |
| World Cup victories (2019, 2023) are undisputed. | Exact jersey number history across all clubs is not consistently listed on every page. |
Understanding Faf de Klerk’s Playing Style and Career Moves
De Klerk is a high‑energy scrum‑half known for strong defence, quick distribution, and an fearless approach to contact. His compact build allows him to get low and win penalties at the breakdown, a skill that has made him invaluable in tight Test matches. He is not the fastest scrum‑half, but his rugby intelligence and vocal leadership compensate for any lack of raw pace.
His career moves reflect a player who values environment over money. Turning down lucrative offers to keep playing for the Cheetahs and then taking a pay cut to join a well‑run Japanese system demonstrates a deliberate approach to prolonging his career. The nickname “Faf” has been used since youth; it is not an official first name but has become his public identity.
Quotes and Sources on Faf de Klerk
“Once you lose that amazing feeling, you should rather stop.”
– Faf de Klerk, PlanetRugby, 12 June 2026
“A key member of the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup‑winning teams.”
What’s Next for Faf de Klerk?
As of 2026, de Klerk is continuing his club career with Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan. The immediate future does not include the Springbok alignment camp, but he could be considered for later Tests if injuries occur or if he regains top form. A potential Barbarians call‑up has been rumoured but not officially confirmed. After the 2027 World Cup cycle, retirement is a possibility, though de Klerk has stated that he will keep playing as long as the “amazing feeling” remains. For more on professional athlete career trajectories, see our profiles on Anthony Elanga – Age, Height, Stats, Wife and Career Timeline and Vinicius Jr – Age, Salary, Goals, and Latest Transfer News.
Frequently Asked Questions about Faf de Klerk
What position does Faf de Klerk play?
He plays scrum‑half (number 9), responsible for distributing the ball from set‑pieces and organising the backline.
Why is he called Faf?
The nickname “Faf” has been used since his youth and is widely adopted in rugby circles. It is not an official first name.
What teams has Faf de Klerk played for?
He has played for the Lions, Sale Sharks (England), Yokohama Canon Eagles (Japan), and the Cheetahs (South Africa).
Is Faf de Klerk still playing for the Springboks?
He remains in the Springbok system but was not included in the 2026 alignment camp, making him the fourth‑choice scrum‑half.
How many World Cups has Faf de Klerk won?
He has won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa – 2019 and 2023.
Who is Faf de Klerk’s wife?
He is married to Miné de Klerk (née van Niekerk). They have two daughters.
What is Faf de Klerk’s net worth?
Estimates range between US$4 million and US$6 million, with an annual salary over R21 million (about US$1.1 million).
How old is Faf de Klerk?
Born 19 October 1991, he is 34 years old and will turn 35 in October 2026.
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