South Africa’s Faf de Klerk celebrates with the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Saturday October 28, 2023. Photo: Adam Davy / PA via Backpagepix
Springboks fave Faf de Klerk has a surprise sporting talent
Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is well known for his Speedo antics and quickness at the breakdown. He also has other talents though.
South Africa’s Faf de Klerk celebrates with the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Picture date: Saturday October 28, 2023. Photo: Adam Davy / PA via Backpagepix
A few Springboks were interviewed last year and their hidden sporting talents came up. Faf de Klerk possesses possibly the most impressive one of all.
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FAF DE KLERK WAS A GYMNAST
De Klerk mentioned, in a typically humble tone, that he used to be a decent gymnast. We all know he was probably a lot better than decent, and there are some solid rumours that he was also an excellent cricketer. What about Steven Kitshoff? His wife Aimee said he “is an absolute whizz on water and a brilliant wakeboarder.”
Fellow prop Vincent Koch, however, revealed another type of talent altogether. He’s a professional Pokémon card collector — Rare cards can sell for tens of millions of rands if they’re the right types and in mint condition.
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FAF FANCIES A RIBEYE STEAK
According to a piece from TimesLive last year, Faf would tuck into a “Wagyu rib eye steak with lamb chops, braaibroodjie, potato salad and a mealie,” if he had to pick a last meal. It’s not his favourite food though, that honour belongs to the schnitzel. Whether or not he’d be donning a Speedo while being fed that last glorious dish is up for debate.
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.
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