Faf de Klerk – Height, Wife, Net Worth and Rugby Career
François “Faf” de Klerk is one of the most recognisable figures in world rugby. Standing at just 1.72 metres, the South African scrum‑half has built a reputation that far exceeds his physical stature. With two Rugby World Cup winners’ medals, a career spanning three continents, and a recent call‑up to the Barbarians, his journey continues to attract global attention.
Born on 19 October 1991 in Nelspruit, de Klerk has been a professional rugby player since his teens. He currently represents the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan’s Rugby League One and remains part of the Springboks setup. In June 2026, he was named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales, adding another chapter to an already decorated career.
Who is Faf de Klerk? Biography and Background
Francois de Klerk
19 October 1991
Nelspruit, South Africa
Scrum‑half (No. 9)
Key insights:
- Faf de Klerk is one of the most decorated Springboks, winning back‑to‑back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
- Despite being shorter than average for a scrum‑half, his low centre of gravity and aggressive play make him a unique threat.
- He is married to Milené de Klerk and they have a son born in 2023.
- His net worth is estimated at around $3–5 million, with a salary of approximately R5 million per year (2025 estimates).
- In June 2026 he was named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales, marking his immediate international return after a brief Springboks absence.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 October 1991 (age 34) |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lb) |
| Spouse | Milené de Klerk |
| Children | 1 son (b. 2023) |
| Debut | 2016 vs Ireland |
| Caps | 50+ (Springboks) |
| World Cups | 2019 (winner), 2023 (winner) |
| Current club | Yokohama Canon Eagles |
| Jersey number | 9 |
| Net worth | Est. $3–5 million |
| Salary | Est. R5 million annually |
Faf de Klerk’s Height and Weight: Physical Stats
De Klerk’s physical dimensions are among the most frequently asked‑about aspects of his profile. Multiple sources place his height at around 1.71–1.72 m and his weight in the range of 75–88 kg. The variation reflects different measurement points during his career and across different official databases.
How tall is Faf de Klerk?
The most widely cited figure is 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in), a height that makes him one of the smallest players on the pitch at elite level. According to Wikipedia, his height is recorded as 1.72 m, while other rugby statistics sites list him at 1.71 m. The difference is minimal and does not affect his on‑field impact.
How much does Faf de Klerk weigh?
Weight figures range from 75 kg to 88 kg. The Ultimate Rugby profile records him at 84 kg, while earlier measurements from his time at Sale Sharks list him closer to 80 kg. His build has been described as compact and muscular, contributing to a low centre of gravity that helps him shrug off tackles.
Different official platforms report slightly different figures for de Klerk’s weight. BokSquad lists 88 kg, while RugbyPass shows 84 kg. The variation is typical for athletes whose body composition changes across seasons.
Faf de Klerk’s Wife and Personal Life
De Klerk married Milené de Klerk in 2020. The couple have one son, born in 2023. Milené is not a public figure and details about her personal life remain limited. De Klerk occasionally shares family moments on his Instagram account @fafster09, where he also promotes his co‑founded rugby community brand Faffies.
He has partnerships with Nike and Playabet SA, and his social media presence reflects a mix of professional rugby content, family life, and brand endorsements.
De Klerk keeps his family life relatively private. His wife’s full name and the name of his son have not been widely published in mainstream media. The information available comes primarily from his own social media and occasional interviews.
Faf de Klerk’s Rugby Career: Teams, Jersey Number and Achievements
What team does Faf de Klerk play for now?
As of the 2025/26 season, de Klerk plays for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One. He joined the club in 2022 after leaving Sale Sharks. Current records also list him as a scrum‑half for the Barbarians and the Cheetahs (2026–present), alongside his ongoing role with the Springboks.
What is Faf de Klerk’s jersey number?
He wears jersey number 9 for both club and country, the traditional number for a scrum‑half.
How many World Cups has Faf de Klerk won?
De Klerk has won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa – in 2019 (defeating England in the final) and 2023. He won his 30th test cap during the 2019 final and has been a key figure in both campaigns. His performances, particularly his box‑kicking and defensive work, have been widely praised by coaches and teammates.
What position does Faf de Klerk play?
He plays as a scrum‑half (No. 9), responsible for distributing the ball from set pieces and controlling the tempo of the game. His aggressive defence and quick passing have been instrumental in South Africa’s recent success.
Is Faf de Klerk in the Barbarians squad?
Yes, he was named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales in June 2026, according to RugbyPass. The selection marks his return to international action after a period of rotational selection with the Springboks.
While the Barbarians call‑up confirms he remains in high demand, whether he will be selected for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is not yet known. His availability for the Springboks may depend on form and the match schedule of the Canon Eagles.
Faf de Klerk’s Net Worth and Salary
Specific figures for de Klerk’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed. Sports financial websites estimate his net worth at around $3–5 million, with an annual salary of approximately R5 million. These estimates are not official and should be treated as approximations.
His career has included high‑profile contracts with the Golden Lions, Sale Sharks, and Yokohama Canon Eagles, as well as endorsement deals with Nike and Playabet SA. The move to Japan in 2022 is understood to have been financially significant, though no contract terms have been made public.
How did Faf de Klerk’s career unfold? A timeline
- 1991: Born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
- 2007: Joined the Blue Bulls academy at age 16.
- 2014: Included in the Lions squad for Super Rugby; also played for the Pumas in the Currie Cup (2012–2015).
- 2016: Made his Springboks debut against Ireland.
- 2017–2021: Played for Sale Sharks in the English Premiership, becoming a top‑scoring scrum‑half.
- 2019: Won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa.
- 2020: Married Milené de Klerk.
- 2022: Joined the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan Rugby League One.
- 2023: Won his second Rugby World Cup; his son was born.
- 2026: Named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ultimate Rugby, RugbyPass.
What is confirmed and what is uncertain about Faf de Klerk?
| Established information | Uncertain or speculative |
|---|---|
| Height, weight, age, and birthplace are well documented (Wikipedia, Springboks official site). | Exact net worth and salary figures are estimates from sports financial sites; no official disclosure. |
| He has two World Cup winners’ medals (2019, 2023). | Future team moves (e.g., return to Europe) are rumoured but not confirmed. |
| He is married to Milené de Klerk (publicly confirmed, Instagram). | Whether he will be selected for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is not yet known. |
| He was named in the Barbarians squad for the June 2026 match vs Wales (RugbyPass). | His exact weight fluctuates; different sources report figures from 75 kg to 88 kg. |
What makes Faf de Klerk a unique player?
De Klerk’s playing style defies his physical dimensions. He is known for his fearless approach, relentless work rate, and exceptional box‑kicking ability. His tactical awareness allows him to control games from the scrum‑half position, often dictating territory with his left boot.
His partnership with fly‑half Handré Pollard has been a cornerstone of Springbok success. Together they have formed one of the most effective half‑back combinations in world rugby. De Klerk’s aggressive defence also sets him apart – he is not afraid to take on bigger players and frequently makes tackles that disrupt opposition attacks.
The Barbarians call‑up in 2026 suggests he remains in high demand and may be eyeing a return to regular international rugby after a period of rotational selection. His move to Japan in 2021 raised questions about test match availability, but he has consistently been selected when fit.
What do coaches and teammates say about Faf de Klerk?
“Faf de Klerk is a warrior on the field – his energy is infectious.”
– Rassie Erasmus, Springboks head coach (via Springboks.rugby)
“I love playing for the Springboks and every time I pull on the jersey, it’s an honour.”
– Faf de Klerk, interview with RugbyPass (2023)
“He might be small, but he plays like a giant.”
– Siya Kolisi, Springboks captain (post‑match interview, 2023)
What is the verdict on Faf de Klerk’s legacy?
Faf de Klerk has already secured his place in rugby history as a two‑time World Cup winner and one of the finest scrum‑halves of his generation. His ability to perform at the highest level despite his size continues to inspire players and fans alike. For a comparable biographical profile, see Victor Ubogu – Biography, Rugby Career, Family and Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faf de Klerk’s real name?
His full name is François de Klerk, but he is universally known as Faf.
Does Faf de Klerk have children?
Yes, he and his wife Milené have a son born in 2023.
What position does Faf de Klerk play?
He plays as a scrum‑half (number 9).
Is Faf de Klerk still playing for the Springboks?
He remains in the Springboks squad but has not been selected for every match. The Barbarians call‑up in 2026 keeps him in contention.
What is Faf de Klerk’s jersey number?
He wears jersey number 9 for both club and country.
Where was Faf de Klerk born?
He was born in Nelspruit, South Africa.
When did Faf de Klerk make his Springboks debut?
He made his debut in 2016 against Ireland.
How tall is Faf de Klerk in feet and inches?
He is approximately 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m) tall.
What is Faf de Klerk’s net worth?
Estimates place his net worth at around $3–5 million, though official figures are not public.
Is Faf de Klerk playing for the Barbarians in 2026?
Yes, he was named in the Barbarians squad to face Wales in June 2026.
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