Overview
- He left the season opener on 14 December against Shizuoka Blue Revs after 32 minutes while attempting a tackle on Valynce Te Whare.
- Yokohama confirmed his temporary withdrawal from Japan Rugby League One, marking a third straight season disrupted by injury.
- De Klerk posted a video saying he felt very sad and disappointed and that he is returning to get in the best condition possible to rejoin the team.
- RugbyJP reports he remains registered to play this season, meaning the Eagles must de‑register him before adding a temporary replacement with Test experience from outside Japan.
- The 34‑year‑old has had limited Springbok minutes over 2024–25, while Leon MacDonald’s Eagles started winless through two rounds.