Faf de Klerk has hit the ground running at the Cheetahs, but for how long?

The double World Cup winner signed for the Bloemfontein franchise after four seasons at the Canon Eagles in Japan. The marquee signing ends nine years abroad for de Klerk, who has returned to the Republic to be closer to his beloved family.

Cheetahs coach and stalwart Frans Steyn revealed that de Klerk has already added impact on the training field. The Bok No.9 has been working alongside Scotland international flyhalf Jaco van der Walt, as well as scrumhalves Marco Jansen van Vuren and Rewan Kruger.

"It is great for our squad," said Steyn.

"He came in straight away and gave advice to the scrumhalves and flyhalves. He was involved from the moment he arrived, and he will add great value to our squad.

"He, Jaco, Marco and Rewan are experienced enough to guide the youngsters. We can improve them by utilising the experience we have in the squad."

In terms of the Springboks, the 34-year-old de Klerk has naturally fallen down the pecking order. The rise of Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams and the blistering form of veteran Cobus Reinach saw him earn just 41 minutes in the Bok jersey last season via two appearances off the bench.

But times have changed. Injuries to the abovementioned No.9s have resulted in the red-hot Embrose Papier being called up to the alignment camps, and should the situation not improve drastically, coach Rassie Erasmus seems primed to call on his veteran livewire.

Steyn is acutely aware that the Boks' gain is the Cheetahs' loss.

"I don't know what is Rassie Erasmus' plan," Steyn said.

"I'm not even sure if he will be available for the Currie Cup. It will be great to have him available, but with all the injuries at scrumhalf in the Bok squad, we have to wait to see if they call him up."

The Currie Cup - the oldest domestic rugby competition - runs from 18 July to 12 September, right in the midst of the Boks' bumper international season.