Dan du Preez to leave Sharks

Sale Sharks can confirm that number 8 Dan du Preez will leave the club at the end of the current season after almost seven years in Manchester.

The 30-year-old fans’ favourite joined his twin brother Jean-Luc and younger brother Rob at the CorpAcq Stadium when he signed from the HollywoodBets Sharks in July 2019.

He became Sharks #316 when made his debut in a Prem Rugby Cup win against Northampton in September 2019, and has since played 121 games for the club, scoring 24 tries.

This season, injuries have limited him to just seven appearances and one Gallagher Prem start.

On the international front, Dan made his debut for the Springboks in 2017 – the year after Jean-Luc – and has gone on to win six caps.

Dan will join brother Rob in leaving Sharks at the end of the season. Twin Jean-Luc departed at the end of last season to join Bordeaux.

Dan said: “I’ve loved my time at Sale. The past six and a half years have been a privilege. I’ve made some incredible memories on and off the pitch, and made lifelong friends along the way in the players and coaches.

“This club has meant so much to me, and I’ve grown not just as a player, but more importantly, as a person.

“My family and I have made Manchester our home, our boys were born here and we’ve had the joy of watching them grow up here. I’ve been lucky enough to share this experience with my brothers and their families, making memories I’ll never forget.

“To Si, Michelle, Ged, and Soraya, thank you for making it possible for me to join this great club. Your support, love and dedication to Sale is unmatched and the club is very fortunate to have owners who care as much as you do.

“To the fans, thank you for your incredible support, loyalty and your energy on match days. You’ve made this journey one that will always stick with me.”

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Dan has been a fantastic servant to the club and I’ve absolutely loved working with him.

“I know I speak for everyone at Sale Sharks when I say that we’re gutted he’s leaving, and we’re really going to miss him, on and off the pitch. I wish him all the very best for the future.”

Everyone at Sale Sharks wishes Dan and his family all the very best for their next chapter.