Faf de Klerk excited to be part of Sale Sharks

South Africa international Faf de Klerk said he is looking forward to his Aviva Premiership debut with Sale Sharks in the upcoming season.

De Klerk, who has featured in 11 Tests for Springboks in 2016 will make a switch from Super Rugby side Lions to AJ Bell Stadium after signing a three-year contract with Sale Sharks.

Sale Sharks are set to take on Wasps at Ricoh Arena in the opening game of the season on 2nd September and the 25-year-old is gearing up for the new challenge already.

"I’ve settled in really well and all the guys have been very welcoming,” said Faf.

"I’ve been staying with Johnno Ross at his place and I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m not missing home yet - even the weather has been great!

"I’m moving into my new apartment today which is close to the city centre. I already love Manchester - it's a great city with lots of things to offer.

"I came straight from the Super Rugby final and joined up with the boys when they were out in France for the friendly with Castres.

"The body is still fresh as I came off the bench a lot in the last stretch of the Super Rugby season and I’m really looking forward to the start of the Premiership season.

"In South Africa I watched a lot of the Premiership on TV and you only have to look at the England Rugby team and how well they have been doing to realise the strength of the league.

"I also think it will fit into my style but I will also need to learn how to play in the mud and the rain when that comes - that is going to be another challenge for me to work on and master.

"I’m also looking forward to travelling around and seeing new places. That’s part of what’s so exciting in coming to a new club like Sale."

Sale Sharks had a disappointing 2016/17 season where they finished 10th in the table but the side has been gathering momentum ahead of the new season with wins over Castres and Edinburgh in the pre-season clashes. The 5 ft 8 in scrum-half insisted that the atmosphere is positive in the camp and the players are raring to go.

“I’m very excited about what we can do this season. We’ve been playing very well in pre-season, the guys have also been training really very well and are focused,” de Klerk added.

"I was really excited to take part in the win at Edinburgh and I’m very excited to see where we can go this year.

“There's a really good bunch of lads here and the club has made several good signings. Everyone is really enjoying each other’s company and it's coming together well.

"I’m going to have to adjust quickly here but, luckily, the way we want to play is something that I’m used to - we want to play quick rugby and score tries but there will also come a stage where we will need to play more tactically so I’m really excited about the challenge.

"Speaking the same language is also a big help for me. Luckily, I don’t think my English is too bad so that helps a lot.

"Everyone here speaks English - I can’t understand a lot of them sometimes! - but its been fine.”