Two Springbok stalwarts could be swapping Japan’s Rugby League One for the English Premiership.
Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel are rumoured to be on the move at the end of the season, with reports linking both players to a possible return to European rugby.
RugbyPass reports that De Klerk is attracting interest from his former club the Sale Sharks, while the Newcastle Red Bulls are also expected to enter the race for his signature.
Newcastle have already signalled their intent to recruit aggressively, announcing the high-profile signing of All Blacks loose forward Hoskins Sotutu for next season, as the Red Bulls-backed club continues to reshape its squad.
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A move back to England could offer De Klerk a timely platform as he looks to reassert himself at international level. The 34-year-old featured just twice for the Springboks this year, slipping down Rassie Erasmus’ pecking order in a highly competitive scrumhalf landscape.
While Erasmus has repeatedly stressed that De Klerk remains in the wider Springbok picture, the veteran has faced an uphill battle for Test minutes – a situation further complicated by a recent ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for much of the Japanese season.
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Kriel, meanwhile, could also be heading for a new challenge. The Daily Mail reports that both Premiership and Top 14 clubs are lining up to pursue the experienced centre, setting the stage for a potential bidding battle.
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