Fourie du Preez has added a 1 year extension to his Bulls contract.
du Preez’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2010 Super 14, but du Preez has added a 1 year extension that sees him stay at Loftus until 2011. He was also announced as part of a group of players contracted by SA rugby for the Springboks 2011 Rugby World Cup title defence.
Last year the 27 year old du Preez revealed in an interview with SA rugby magazine that he had considered going overseas at the end of 2009. However I believe it has been the professionalism and structures shown by both the Bulls and Springboks, that has led to du Preez enjoying his rugby much more, and free to express himself. It’s no coincidence that saw a rejuvenated, dangerous du Preez who was the world’s star player in 2009.
du Preez also revealed he would not move to another South African franchise or province unless his mentor Heyneke Meyer was involved (this was prior to Meyer rejoining the Bulls).
Whilst he is likely to go overseas (I’d imagine only for a season or two as he loves Pretoria) and set himself up financially for life after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, South Africa and the Bulls have 2 more years to make use of his rugby genius. The emergence of Francois Hougaard to take his place may also have influenced the decision, as du Preez has stated he believe Hougaard will successfully take over his position in the future.
I’m looking forward to seeing some more amazing pieces of brilliance from the little scrumhalf, and I’m sure when he leaves South Africa he will firmly be ensconced as a legend of the game.
