Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk has returned to South Africa for treatment after suffering an ankle injury in the Yokohama Canon Eagles’ opening-round clash of the Japan Rugby League One season.
The 34-year-old was forced off just 32 minutes into the 14 December defeat to the Shizuoka Blue Revs after going down while attempting a tackle on wing Valynce Te Whare.
Yokohama confirmed earlier this week that the double World Cup winner has temporarily withdrawn from the competition – the third consecutive season in which injury has disrupted his campaign.
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Despite his absence, RugbyJP reports that De Klerk remains registered to play this season. Canon would need to de-register him should they opt to sign a temporary replacement with Test experience for a country other than Japan.
The former Sale Sharks scrumhalf, who has been linked with a possible return to the English Premiership at the end of the season, addressed supporters in a video message, but did not disclose details of his injury.
“Once again, I feel very sad to be leaving and disappointed,” said De Klerk, who missed the closing rounds of last season due to a hand injury.
“I felt I really worked hard to come back and be ready for this season but I’m going back to make sure I get in the best condition possible to come back, join the team again and support if I’m not playing.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible to see all the supporters and players and hopefully join the last few games.”
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Canon’s 18-round regular season concludes on 9 May with a return fixture against Shizuoka.
New head coach Leon MacDonald’s side remain winless after also falling to arch-rivals the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars in round two, heading into Sunday’s home clash against champions the Toshiba Brave Lupus.
A message from Faf 🗣️
怪我の治療のため、ファフ・デクラーク選手が、一時的にチームを離れることになりました。
復帰に向けて、イーグルスは全力でサポートします。
ファフ選手からのコメント動画です。
ぜひご覧下さい。#ファフデクラーク#FafDeKlerk#横浜キヤノンイーグルス pic.twitter.com/4xMhsWIHkH— 横浜キヤノンイーグルス (@Canon_Eagles) December 22, 2025
Photo: Koki Nagahama/Getty Images
