- Faf de Klerk co-founded Faffies, a South African swimwear and lifestyle brand, with his brother-in-law and a fashion professional in June 2024
- The Springbok scrum-half secured brand ambassador deals with Toyota South Africa Motors and L'Oréal Paris after returning home in 2026
- De Klerk signed a two-year deal with the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, which the Free State side described as one of their biggest signings
Faf de Klerk has built a commercial portfolio that spans swimwear, automotive, beauty and sports nutrition, positioning the 34-year-old Springbok scrum-half as a significant presence off the pitch as well as on it.
De Klerk's playing career has covered three continents. He came through the ranks with the Golden Lions before spending five seasons at Sale Sharks in England, making 95 appearances for the club.
A stint with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan followed before he returned to South Africa in 2026, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The Free State franchise described it as one of the most significant signings in their history, securing a player who carries more than 60 Springbok caps and two Rugby World Cup medals.
Faffies: The Swimwear Brand With a South African Soul
His most personal business venture is Faffies, a swimwear and lifestyle label he launched in June 2024 alongside his brother-in-law Luan van Niekerk and fashion professional Nikita du Toit. The brand is anchored in South African culture, with all production based in Cape Town. Its product range includes men's and children's swimwear, T-shirts, hats and rugby balls.
Part of the brand's identity traces back to a widely circulated photograph taken after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, in which De Klerk wore a South African flag Speedo while meeting Prince Harry.
That image lodged itself in public memory and became an informal foundation for the Faffies aesthetic. De Klerk has remained actively involved in the business; in 2025, he joined his co-founders to celebrate the brand's first anniversary by baking a cake together.
Toyota and L'Oréal Paris Deals Add to Portfolio
His return to South African rugby attracted corporate attention. Toyota South Africa Motors added him to its ambassador roster following the announcement of his Cheetahs contract, a partnership that aligns neatly with the automaker's existing relationship with the Bloemfontein club.
L'Oréal Paris South Africa brought De Klerk on board to front campaigns for its Elvive and Men Expert ranges in 2024, alongside fellow Springbok Cheslin Kolbe. His well-known blond hair made him a recognisable fit for a haircare-focused campaign. Speaking to True Love at the time, De Klerk discussed personal habits and encouraged men to invest more attention in their appearance.
Earlier in his career, during his Sale Sharks years, he also partnered with iPRO Hydrate to promote the brand's sports wellness drinks range.
Source: Briefly News
Authors:
Hot: