Saffas abroad

Ivan van Zyl in action for Saracens against Northampton Saints

Saffas Abroad: Marx, Van Zyl make a mark

Catch up on the South Africans in action during the English Premiership semi-finals, and the Springboks in the thick of things as Japan’s League One playoffs drew to a close.

Toulon's South African wing Cheslin Kolbe (R) fights for the ball with La Rochelle's South African wing Dillyn Leyds (L) during to the French Top 14 rugby union match between Rugby Club Toulonnais (Toulon) and Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle) at Stade Mayol in Toulon, south-eastern France on May 6, 2023.

Saffas Abroad: Leyds wins battle of Bok wings

The race for playoff places heated up in France, where a clash of Springbok wings saw Dillyn Leyds collide with Cheslin Kolbe.

Willie says sayonara to Japan

Veteran Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has hinted on social media that he may be parting ways with his Japan League One club.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Saints number 8 Juarno Augustus dives to score the fourth Saints try despite the attentions of Adam Radwan of the Falcons during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints at Kingston Park on April 21, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Saffas Abroad: Trokkie stars as Saints secure semi spot

There were plenty of South Africans in action as the Premiership, Top 14 and Japan’s League One reached the business end, with teams starting to secure their semi-final places.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 18: Faf De Klerk of Canon Eagles passes the ball during the League One match between Saitama Yokohama Canon Eagles and Kobelco Kobe Steelers at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Faf refreshed by Japan experience

The Springboks can expect a livelier version of Faf de Klerk this year as the scrumhalf has been physically rejuvinated by his stint in Japan’s League One.

Sale Sharks' Jean-Luc du Preez scores his side's second try of the game during the Gallagher Premiership match at Ashton Gate, Bristol. Picture date: Friday April 14, 2023. (

Saffas Abroad: Jean-Luc stars as Sale seal playoff place

Domestic action resumed in England and France, with plenty of Springboks involved as the race for playoff places heats up.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 06: Jesse Kriel of Canon Eagles runs with the ball during the NTT Japan Rugby League One match between Yokohama Canon Eagles and Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium on February 06, 2022 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Saffas Abroad: Kriel cruising in Japan

Catch up on the South Africans in action during the European cup quarter-finals, and the Springboks in the thick of things in the race for Japan’s League One playoffs.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Jasper Wiese of Leicester Tigers scores the only try of the game during the Heineken Champions Cup game between Leicester Tigers and Edinburgh Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on March 31, 2023 in Leicester, England.

Saffas Abroad: Wiese gives Tigers roar

Take a look back at all the Champions and Challenge Cup playoff action involving overseas-based South Africans, including Jasper Wiese’s incredible performance for the Leicester Tigers.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Tommy Reffell of Leicester Tigers (c) celebrates as teammate Handre Pollard scores a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on March 25, 2023 in Leicester, England.

Saffas Abroad: Polly scores a cracker

The European leagues returned to full action following the Six Nations and there were mixed fortunes for the Springboks as Handre Pollard scored, but Cheslin Kolbe picked up an injury.

Saffas Abroad: Dominant Damian stays unbeaten

Damian de Allende dotted down to help Panasonic continue their winning run as the Springboks in Japan took centre stage, with the Premiership and Top 14 on a short break.