Faf de Klerk to miss League One semi-finals
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Springboks star Faf de Klerk will miss Yokohama’s play-off semi-final against unbeaten Saitama Wild Knights at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.
The 32-year-old double World Cup winner is still recovering from minor knee surgery which he underwent in February and has not been re-registered for first-team duties.
Former Sale Sharks scrum-half Faf and his compatriot Jesse Kriel both temporarily withdrew from League One in January due to injuries.
Kriel, 30, returned to action in April after recovering from a hand injury while his long-time international teammate is still on the road back to full fitness.
While Faf underwent treatment in his homeland he was de-registered as a Category C player (capped by a country other than Japan) and his spot was given to countryman and new signing Rohan Janse van Rensburg who filled in at centre for Kriel.
The renowned number nine has been taking part in training this week and is expected to be part of the team’s warm-up on Saturday but is unavailable for selection.
Yokohama finished the regular season in fourth-place with 10 wins and six defeats to narrowly edge out Ardie Savea’s Kobe Steelers for the final play-off spot.
Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights booked their spot in the last four after a perfect season as they won all 16 games and boasted the strongest attack (747 points) and meanest defence (275 points).
The second semi-final sees a Fuchu derby rematch as Richie Mo'unga's Toshiba Brave Lupus battle Cheslin Kolbe's Suntory Sungoliath in the same venue on Sunday.
