Bulls and Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has ended speculation as to his intentions after the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
du Preez has previously signalled his intentions to finish his career overseas, no doubt for financial security, but also I believe to play rugby without any pressure for a change.
du Preez has a contract with the Bulls until the end of the 2011 Super 15, and with the Springboks until the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup taking place in New Zealand in 2011. After that he will move to an undisclosed club in Japan. The fact he chose Japan instead of Europe signifies to me a desire to escape top level rugby pressures, and probably a large payday.
Like the champion rugby player he is, du Preez has been very open with his intentions and allowed the Bulls succession planning. It indicates just how loyal and honest du Preez is, and his love for the Bulls. du Preez has previously revealed he would not move to another South African franchise or province unless his mentor Heyneke Meyer was involved .
“Fourie did not only act in his own interests, but thought of the team as well. As one of the architects of the success the Bulls enjoyed in recent years, his input in our planning will be highly valued and it is nice to know he will be around for a while still. I know he had many offers and options, but he again showed his commitment to the Bulls” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.
Whilst he has signalled his intentions for the future, Du Preez still has plenty to achieve with the Bulls and the Boks, but spent some time reflecting on his time with the Bulls.
“These were the best rugby years of my life and I could never have played for another union. By revealing my plans for the future now, it will give the Bulls sufficient time to plan for the future and possible successors. There is already some excellent players like Francois Hougaard knocking on the door, so it is time to move on” Du Preez said.
“I was happy to be involved with the Bulls during arguably the best era they have ever had. It remains a massive honour to be part of the structures started and maintained by world class coaches such as Heyneke Meyer and Frans Ludeke. The leadership of Victor Matfield and the bond between the team members are also things I will always treasure. There is still time for me to add value and it is something I look forward to” continued du Preez.
“After 11 years at the Bulls, I am affording myself the opportunity to change the scenery and to expose myself to a different culture. This contract will allow me that. I think I can learn a lot and broaden my horizons in the game at the same time, which will help should I opt for a career in coaching later on in my life” said du Preez.
After a tough 2008 season du Preez had contemplated an early move overseas, but the success of the Bulls in 2009, and the atmosphere Peter de Villiers created with the Boks made it an easy decision to stay on (something I believe de Villiers is not fully recognised for).
“There is the chance to play in another World Cup, but also the knowledge that I will enjoy the experience. Last season was the most enjoyable I have had in the Bok jersey and I think Peter de Villiers deserve a lot of credit for that. I feel we have the experience and core group in the team to make a serious run at the Webb Ellis trophy again” said du Preez.
I look forward to seeing the best of du Preez, culminating in another Super 14 title, 100 games for the Bulls and ultimately a second World Cup winners medal!
