Sale Sharks have secured the services of World Player of the Year nominee Faf De Klerk until 2023.
Faf is the latest announcement of a group of senior players to re-sign and commit their futures to Sale Sharks and the North-West of England.
De Klerk joined the Sharks at the start of the 2017-18 Premiership Rugby season and made an instant impact to the team.
Faf (27) made twenty-five appearances for Sale in his first season scoring 97 points, showing exceptional skill and determination which eventually led to a call-up to the Springboks squad for the 2018 summer test series against England in South Africa.
Three exceptional performances followed and put the scrum-half firmly on the Springbok radar for the Rugby Championship in November, where the South Africans gained a notable victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Ultimately Faf’s consistency and impressive show of ability for club and country over the 2017-18 season eventually led to a nomination for World Player of the Year, with the young scrum-half losing out to Johnny Sexton at the final hurdle in November this year.
Commenting on the announcement Faf said:
“it’s humbling to know a club wants to extend your contract, even though you still have more than a year left on your current one! I would not have re-signed if I did not enjoy it here in the North West and really do believe in what we are trying to achieve here at Sale. I want to thank Dimes and the Owners for giving me this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Director of Rugby Steve Diamond added,
” I am delighted that Faf has agreed to extend his contract with us. Sale Sharks have had some fantastic layers throughout the professional era, there are too many to mention, but Faf is one of a few truly world class players who have been at the club. His ability, attitude and enthusiasm are second to none and are a testament to professional he is. “