Although Faf de Klerk’s flowing locks have made him instantly recognisable to rugby fans, it was his eye-catching and tigerish play that saw him win his first Springbok selection in 2016 against Ireland. He was a key member of the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning teams. After missing most of the Boks’ 2024 season due to injury, and only being involved in two Test matches in 2025, De Klerk will go all out to stake a claim for the No 9 jersey again this season.