- Faf de Klerk faces scans after suffering an ankle injury against Bayonne, leaving the Cheetahs waiting for answers about their Springbok scrumhalf
- Coach Frans Steyn has offered an encouraging early assessment, but the medical results will determine the extent of the injury
- The Cheetahs have three weeks before pre-season preparations begin, giving them time to assess the setback ahead of their remaining European fixtures
Source: Twitter
The Cheetahs are waiting for medical clarity on Faf de Klerk after the Springbok scrumhalf suffered an ankle injury during their European Challenge Cup defeat to Bayonne in France. The 35-year-old was forced off early in the second half, but head coach Frans Steyn remains hopeful that the problem is not serious.
The Cheetahs returned to South Africa on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, and plan to assess De Klerk's injury as soon as possible.
Faf de Klerk injury: Cheetahs plan scans
De Klerk sustained the injury during Sunday's 29-27 defeat against Bayonne at Stade Jean-Dauger. He left the field in the 43rd minute of the EPCR Challenge Cup encounter.
The scrumhalf celebrated his 35th birthday on Monday, 19 October, a day after the match.
Speaking to Netwerk24 before the team's departure from Paris, Steyn said there was reason to remain hopeful.
"We'll assess it when we get home. He looks alright, though, and we now have three weeks off before our pre-season preparations begin," Steyn said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
He added:
"There's enough time for everything to hopefully be right, but we'll do scans and things as soon as we get back to South Africa."
De Klerk will undergo scans after returning to South Africa, and Steyn is hopeful the injury will not disrupt the scrumhalf's preparations for the season.
Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn reacts to Bayonne defeat
Steyn believed the Cheetahs had done enough to win in France but failed to convert their performance into victory. A few costly mistakes ultimately proved decisive in the 29-27 defeat.
“We did everything to win the match,” he said, admitting that the team was disappointed to leave France without a victory.
Cheetahs turn attention to Dragons fixture
Despite the setback, the Cheetahs still have three matches remaining in their European Challenge Cup campaign.
Their next listed fixture against Welsh club Dragons is scheduled for 13 December at St Helen's in Swansea, which serves as their new European home venue.
De Klerk's scan results will help determine his immediate recovery needs as the Cheetahs prepare for their next phase.
Source: Getty Images
Faf de Klerk has his sights set on the 2027 Rugby World Cup
Briefly News previously reported that Faf de Klerk had ruled out immediate retirement and was targeting a place in the Springboks squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The experienced scrumhalf returned to South African rugby after four seasons in Japan, signing a two-year deal with the Cheetahs.
Source: Briefly News
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