Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has responded to reports in France claiming he was on the verge of retirement due to ongoing concussion-related issues.
French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reported this week that the 30-year-old, who plays for back-to-back Investec Champions Cup winners Bordeaux Bègles, was considering hanging up his boots.
That came after Bordeaux Bègles president Laurent Marti said he was deeply concerned about Du Preez’s future in the game.
“I have serious doubts, but there are medical experts for that,” he told Sud Ouest. “If it were my son, I would ask him to stop because I’m very scared.”
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However, Du Preez told Rapport that he has no intention of calling time on his career.
“I hope to be ready next season,” he said. “We’re off for six weeks, then we start pre-season preparations. I hope to be ready for the pre-season, which starts at the end of July.”
Du Preez, who has not played since 18 January, aims to be ready for the start of the new Top 14 campaign in late September.
“I’ve seen several doctors and specialists and their recommendation was that I should rest until then,” he said.
“My symptoms have improved a lot over the last few months. I’m feeling a lot better at the moment.
“I just thought it was better not to take any chances this past season. I hope to get back on the field as soon as possible. The year has been very challenging for me. I’ve never played so little rugby in a season.”
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Du Preez, who earned 14 Test caps between 2016 and 2023, was included in Rassie Erasmus’ virtual alignment camp for overseas-based players earlier this year.
Photo: UBB
The post Jean-Luc addresses retirement talk appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has responded to reports in France claiming he was on the verge of retirement due to ongoing concussion-related issues.
The post Jean-Luc addresses retirement talk appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
