South Africa World Cupper, Francois de Klerk, Talks Rugby, Golf & Life While traveling back to the United States from the LPGA’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia, I ran into the South African National Rugby Team, the Springboks, during a layover in Dubai. The Springboks were heading home after defeating New Zealand’s The All Blacks, in the Rugby World Cup, contested in France. This was the fourth rugby world championship for the South African team, since the event was first held in 1987. They previously captured the William Webb Ellis Cup in 1995, 2007 and 2019. By Mike May I am currently playing club rugby in Japan for the Yokohama Canon Eagles.” Q: What was the difference between playing in this year’s Rugby World Cup as opposed to 2019 in Japan? de Klerk: “In 2019, I was a little more nervous as it was a more surreal experience, plus a little overwhelming. This year, I enjoyed it more. I was more relaxed. It was not so overwhelming.” I asked the Springboks if any of them were golfers and everyone immediately pointed at Francois “Faf” de Klerk, the team’s 32-year-old scrumhalf, who is considered the best golfer on the squad, as well as one of the best players on the roster. He graciously agreed to answer a few quick questions about rugby, life, and his interest in golf. With his blonde, movie-star locks draping his shoulders, de Klerk was relaxed as he reflected on having been the starting scrumhalf for South Africa’s last two Rugby World Cup-winning finals performances – against England in 2019 and against the All Blacks. Q: How old were you when you first started to play rugby and where are you now playing club rugby? Francois ‘Faf’ de Klerk: “I was about seven years old when I first started to play rugby. Indiana Golf Journal
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