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 former head coach of the Sharks Super Rugby team.[1] His regular position was scrum-half.
| Full name | Robert James du Preez | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 19 July 1963 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Potchefstroom, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 85 kg (13 st 5 lb; 187 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Technical High, Potchefstroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of Pretoria | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Robert du Preez (son), Dan du Preez (son), Jean-Luc du Preez (son) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. | Opposition | Result (SA 1st) | Position | Tries | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | New Zealand | 24–27 | Scrumhalf | 15 August 1992 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | |
| 2. | Australia | 3–26 | Scrumhalf | 22 August 1992 | Newlands, Cape Town | |
| 3. | France | 20–20 | Scrumhalf | 26 June 1993 | Kings Park Stadium, Durban | |
| 4. | France | 17–18 | Scrumhalf | 3 July 1993 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | |
| 5. | Australia | 19–12 | Scrumhalf | 31 July 1993 | Aussie Stadium (SFG), Sydney | |
| 6. | Australia | 20–28 | Scrumhalf | 14 August 1993 | Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane | |
| 7. | Australia | 12–19 | Scrumhalf | 21 August 1993 | Aussie 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 eldest son – also called Robert – is 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 were selected for 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
- List of South Africa national rugby union players – Springbok no. 562
References
- ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Robert du Preez". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ Colquhoun, Andy (1999). The South African Rugby Annual 1999. Cape Town: MWP Media Sport. p. 144. ISBN 0958423148.
- ^ "Meet the Du Preez Trio: Robert, Daniel and Jean-Luc". S.A. School Sports. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ . South African Rugby Union. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.