De Jager, still only 29, was believed to have expressed a keen interest in heading back to South Africa, having joined the Sale Sharks shortly after the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup title in Japan.Prior to his move to the Sale Sharks, he was an integral member of the Bulls squad.
However, Sunday newspaper Rapport featured an interview with the powerful lock, who is set to play for an unnamed club in Japan.
It was always expected that it would be hard for De Jager to turn a big-money offer in Japan, especially considering he apparently had to buy his way out of the last part of his Sale Sharks contract.
Yet, De Jager ultimately explained that “family reasons” were the major motivating factor, with the shorter Japanese season allowing him to spend more time with his loved ones.
Recently, Sale confirmed that De Jager would be leaving the club at the end of the season – along with Faf de Klerk, who is also heading to Japan.
Lood has 56 Bok caps to his name
De Jager’s two-year stay in Manchester has been beset with injuries, and since joining the club after the 209 World Cup, he has played 25 times for the club, scoring three tries.
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