Sale Sharks can confirm that South African back-rower Jean-Luc du Preez will leave the club at the end of the season to pursue an opportunity abroad.
The 29-year-old fans’ favourite joined the club on a permanent deal from the Durban-based Sharks along with twin brother Dan in July 2019, after spending some of the previous season on loan.
He quickly became a key part of a powerful Sharks pack and has since gone on to make almost 150 appearances for Sale, many alongside fellow back-rower Dan and older brother Rob.
This season Jean-Luc has featured 20 times for Sale Sharks, including 12 times in the Gallagher Premiership, scoring one try.
Jean-Luc said: “Sale is a special place. A place where I am excited to go in and see the boys every day. A place that has given me and my family so much and most importantly, a place I now call home.
“It’s been one hell of a ride. I will genuinely miss the club and the people that have helped me grow on and off the field, I am grateful to everyone.
“To the fans, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for backing us through thick and thin, thank you for being our 24th man. I look forward to supporting this club from afar, I know you will go on to do great things.”
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “We understand the reasons for Jean-Luc leaving but we’re all gutted he’s leaving and everybody – not least his brothers – is going to miss him so much.
“I’ve only worked with him for four years but I’ve got so much love for him. It’s going to be so tough for everyone to say goodbye, but probably worst for Jean-Luc because he’s leaving a place, a club and a group of players who love him.”
Jean-Luc has won 14 international caps since making his Springbok debut as a replacement against Wales, in Cardiff, in 2016.
His dad Robert played seven tests for South Africa and when Dan took the field for his debut against France in 2017, it was the first time in South African rugby that two sons of a Springbok had played Test rugby.
In 2021 both Jean-Luc was named in the Springbok squad for the series against the British and Irish Lions and the following year he was part of a South Africa A squad which played Munster and Bristol Bears.
In 2023 Jean-Luc was named as part of a 40-man training squad for that year’s Rugby Championship.
Everyone at Sale Sharks wishes Jean-Luc and family all the very best for their next chapter.
