Robert du Preez (rugby union, born 1963)

Robert James du Preez (born 19 July 1963 in Potchefstroom) is a former South African international rugby union player and the current head coach of the Sharks Super Rugby team.[1] His regular position was scrum-half.

Robert du Preez
Full nameRobert James du Preez
Date of birth (1963-07-19) 19 July 1963
Place of birthPotchefstroom, South Africa
Height1.82 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)
Weight85 kg (13 st 5 lb; 187 lb)
SchoolTechnical High, Potchefstroom
UniversityUniversity of Pretoria
Notable relative(s)Robert du Preez (son),
Dan du Preez (son),
Jean-Luc du Preez (son)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrum-half
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1992–1993 South Africa 7 (0)
Correct as of 31 October 2016
Teams coached
Years Team
2011–2013 College Rovers
2014–2015 Leopards
2016–2018 Sharks
2017–present Sharks

Playing career

Du Preez started his provincial career with Western Transvaal in 1982. He then moved to Northern Transvaal, where his regular halfback partner was Naas Botha. He ended his playing career with Natal.

Du Preez played seven test matches for the Springboks in 1992 and 1993. He also played in eight tour matches, scoring nine tries for the Springboks.[2]

Test history
No.OppositionResult (SA 1st)PositionTriesDateVenue
1. New Zealand24–27Scrumhalf15 August 1992Ellis Park, Johannesburg
2. Australia3–26Scrumhalf22 August 1992Newlands, Cape Town
3. France20–20Scrumhalf26 June 1993Kings Park Stadium, Durban
4. France17–18Scrumhalf3 July 1993Ellis Park, Johannesburg
5. Australia19–12Scrumhalf31 July 1993Aussie Stadium (SFG), Sydney
6. Australia20–28Scrumhalf14 August 1993Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
7. Australia12–19Scrumhalf21 August 1993Aussie Stadium (SFG), Sydney

Coaching career

He coached KwaZulu-Natal sides Crusaders (in 2010) and College Rovers (between 2011 and 2013) before returning to his home town of Potchefstroom to coach both provincial side the Leopards and university side NWU Pukke.

Personal

Du Preez's son – also called Robert – is also a professional rugby player that played provincial rugby for Western Province and for the South Africa Under-20 side at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.[3]

He also has two younger twin sons – Dan and Jean-Luc – that were both included in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship.[4] All three sons are in the Sharks squad for the 2019 Super Rugby competition.

Accolades

Du Preez was also a South African Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee in 1987 and a South African Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 1989 and 1990.

See also

References
  1. "SA Rugby Player Profile – Robert du Preez". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  2. Colquhoun, Andy (1999). The South African Rugby Annual 1999. Cape Town: MWP Media Sport. p. 144. ISBN 0958423148.
  3. "Meet the Du Preez Trio: Robert, Daniel and Jean-Luc". S.A. School Sports. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  4. "Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014". South African Rugby Union. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.


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