The Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of loose forwards Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez on loan deals ahead of the 2019-2020 season.
The 23-year old twins agreed short-term deals, which will see them play for Sale from September to January before returning to Durban for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Jean-Luc had a similar deal with the English club at the beginning of the current season, but missed the early rounds of Super Rugby because of an injury he sustained in England.
The duo’s older brother, Rob du Preez, has also signed for Sale, but his move is more permanent, having joined the club on a three-year deal.
Sale director of rugby, Steve Diamond, said he is delighted to have secured the services of the Du Preez’s.
‘Both lads are huge men with a commanding physical presence, and to be able to add two world-class internationals to our forward pack for next year is a huge boost for the club. I look forward to welcoming both twins to Carrington later in the year.’
Jean-Luc and Daniel admitted that they can’t wait to return to the UK along with brother Rob.
‘I’m really excited and honoured to announce that I will be joining Sale Sharks again. I really enjoyed my short stint with the club late last year, so much so that I have decided to sign another short-term contract in the UK,’ Jean-Luc commented.
‘The club has set really high standards, and the squad that has been built is really exciting and signals the clubs intent within the Premiership. In the meantime, I am fully committed to the Sharks and want to finish the season on a high before I head over to the UK for the winter.’
Dan added: ‘I’ve heard some really good things about the club from Rob and Jean-Luc and can’t wait to link up with Sale in the winter and play some rugby in the Premiership with my brothers. I’m excited about the new challenge ahead in Manchester and can’t wait to test myself in one of the toughest leagues in the world.’
NEW SIGNING | Sale Sharks are delighted to welcome Jean-Luc Du Preez back to the club. ? Oh, and #SharksFamily say hello to JL’s Twin Brother Dan! ?
Double the SA Beef this time round ???
Read more here ? https://t.co/NWfUUUiEss#Twinning #SharkTime ? pic.twitter.com/e9PRgS8K9f
— Sale Sharks? (@SaleSharksRugby) May 14, 2019
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images