Back in 2018, versatile backline star Rob du Preez – the father of well-known Springbok Rob Snr. – made his Springbok debut in a one-off Test against Wales in Washington.
Although it wasn’t a debut to remember in a shock defeat, it was still thought that Du Preez – who was then 24-years-old – would go on to feature in several more games for the Springboks.
However, it never panned out that way, and after falling out of favour with the Springboks, he ultimately left the Durban-based Sharks and headed to English club, the Sale Sharks, where he has become a club legend since arriving in 2018.
Du Preez has gone on to make more than 160 appearances for the club, but a truly remarkable record has seen him start every league game since November 2021.
That ‘ironman’ streak now stands at 84 consecutive Premiership starts, more than 20 games ahead of next best Jono Ross (60 successive appearances).
What next for one-cap Springbok?
The 32-year-old South African one-cap international, who is out of contract with the Sale Sharks next summer, is set to head to the English Premiership title-holders Bath, according to RugbyPass.
The flyhalf, who is also comfortable at centre, said: “This has been a really difficult decision because of the genuine love I have for the club, the city and my teammates.
“There will be plenty of time for talking at the end of the season – all my focus and commitment now is on making sure this is a season to remember for everyone associated with Sale Sharks.”
Impressive club career
Du Preez started his career with the Western Province and the Stormers in Cape Town, making 57 appearances over four years, scoring 483 points.
He then went on to join the Sharks in Durban at the start of the 2018 season, where he won the Currie Cup under the tutelage of his father Rob Snr, before heading abroad.
