World Cup winning Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez could be making a return to the Bulls for next year’s Super Rugby competition.
While nothing has been formally agreed between Du Preez and his former employers, Blue Bulls Company chief executive officer Barend van Graan yesterday revealed that there is a possibility that Du Preez could play for the Bulls in the latter stages of Super Rugby ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Du Preez, who is currently contracted to Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath until early next year, was an integral member of the Bulls golden generation between 2003 and 2010 which won three Super Rugby titles and four Currie Cups while he was one of the standout players in the Springboks 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph.
The 32-year-old Du Preez made a return to the national team last year after a two year hiatus but suffered a season ending ankle injury during the June internationals against Scotland in Port Elizabeth.
Yesterday, during the Bulls sponsorship announcement with car manufacturer Isuzu at Gerotek, Van Graan confirmed that there is interest from the Bulls and that there have been informal discussions with Du Preez.
“I’m not sure (if he will be playing for us next year). We’ve had discussions with him but he isn’t sure what’s the role and where he is going to play his rugby prior to Rugby World Cup,” Van said yesterday.
Van Graan didn’t shy away from the fact that the Bulls would be delighted to have Du Preez back at Loftus Versfeld, even if it is for the second half of Super Rugby.
“Always,” said Van Graan on Du Preez being welcome in rejoining the team.
Van Graan ruled out the possibility of any new signings at Loftus for the foreseeable future after the Bulls acquisition of Springboks Adriaan Strauss and prop Trevor Nyakane along with fellow Free State Cheetahs Lappies Labaschagne. - The Star