The Sale Sharks have no issue with Faf de Klerk remaining with the Springboks for the entire Rugby Championship if need be.
There has recently been some speculation over the availability of overseas-based players, with England-based Willie le Roux expected to return to Wasps at some point before the end of the Rugby Championship.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has suggested that the Springboks can retain the services of their overseas-based players under World Rugby’s regulation nine, but he is also mindful of the delicate club and country commitments facing the likes of Le Roux.
The English Premiership is set to kick off next weekend, but Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond told the Rugby Pass website that they were willing to accept that De Klerk might not be available for the first few games.
‘When Faf came to us he was in the Test wilderness and that is no longer the case, and I am happy to cope with him having to play for South Africa. It is a loss to us because he is a fantastic player and 12 months ago not many people in the UK had heard of Faf de Klerk and now he is helping to put South Africa on the map.
‘If we miss him for four to six games then so be it. We will get him back in October and off we go. I am happy for Faf to stay for the Rugby Championship, and if Rassie decides to try other scrumhalves then we will get him back and that would be a bonus.’
Photo: Steve Diamond/Gallo Images
