Robert du Preez

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 Super Rugby team. His regular position was scrum-half.

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.

Test history

No. Opposition Result (SA 1st) Position Tries Date Venue 1. 24–27 Scrumhalf 15 August 1992 Ellis Park, Johannesburg 2. 3–26 Scrumhalf 22 August 1992Newlands, Cape Town 3. 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 Sydney Football Stadium (SFG), Sydney 6. Australia 20–28 Scrumhalf 14 August 1993 Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 7. Australia 12–19 Scrumhalf 21 August 1993 Sydney Football 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 and university side .

Personal

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

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. 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.