Bok No 9 Japan-bound

17 Mar 2010

Fourie du Preez will play for an undisclosed Japanese club after the 2011 World Cup.

Du Preez announced on Wednesday he had signed a contract extension with the Bulls until the end of next year’s Super 15. Earlier this year, he signed on with the Springboks until after the World Cup in New Zealand.

‘These were the best rugby years of my life and I could never have played for another union,’ Du Preez said in a statement. ‘By revealing my plans for the future now, it will give the Bulls sufficient time to plan for the future and possible successors.

‘There are already some excellent players like Francois Hougaard knocking on the door, so it is time to move on. It remains a massive honor 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 is also something I will always treasure. There is still time for me to add value and it is something I look forward to.’

Du Preez will only be 29 by the time he starts his Japanese stint for an unknown time-frame, but said he was entirely focused on the Bulls and Boks’ goals.

‘There is the chance to play in another World Cup, but also the knowledge that I will enjoy the experience,’ he said. ‘Last season was the most enjoyable I have had in the Bok jersey and think Peter de Villiers deserves 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.’


57 Comments

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  • 51.Mielieboer: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 08:03 am

    Mapoe wont get game time with the Bulls …another Chilliboy/Mapoe/Francis

  • 52.JL1: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 08:28 am

    Jaco VDW must have sold this Japan idea to FDP

    FDP will enjoy it in Japan

  • 53.seamus: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 09:36 am

    Ruan should make his intention clear to play for the Bulls after the WC.

    He would flourish there.

  • 54.Icemoney: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 09:50 am

    “Last season was the most enjoyable I have had in the Bok jersey and think Peter de Villiers deserves a lot of credit for that.”

    Jack White’s system? Barney?

  • 55.Kobus Kitty: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 09:54 am

    @Transformation:

    Its confidence.

    Before this years Super 14 started I stated that both Bulls and Stormers would be in the finals, and right now I’m certainly on target.

    It takes many years of studying the game to understand such things, not just anyone can make predictions like that, especially not a Cape Cane like yourself.

  • 56.Oubaas2009: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 09:58 am

    Bizarre choice for Fourie. Looks like Wacko Jacko must have had a chat to him about it.

    I would have loved to see Fourie playing the Heineken Cup. He would have kicked some arse.

    Good luck and stay off the Saki.

  • 57.ambiorix: Reply to this comment
    18 Mar 2010, 10:17 am

    Hey ICEmoney

    Perhaps Fourie thinks Peter de Villiers deserves alot of credit for that????

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