The Sharks’ pursuit of one of the du Preez brothers has hit a late snag, with an English Premiership side entering the race for his signature at the eleventh hour.

Durban-born Dan Du Preez, 30, has been in advanced talks with the Sharks as they look to bolster their pack ahead of next season, especially with the pending departure of Bok captain Siya Kolisi to the Stormers at the end of the season. But Bath have reportedly made a late move which could derail a potential homecoming.

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Du Preez began his professional career with the Sharks after leaving Kearsney College, making 54 appearances before joining brothers Rob and Jean-Luc at Sale in 2019. Since then, he has featured 118 times for the Manchester-based club, although injuries have limited him to just four appearances this season.

The powerful loose forward would be the last of the three Du Preez brothers to depart Sale. Jean-Luc has already moved on and is currently with Bordeaux, while Rob is set to join Bayonne next summer.

Du Preez won six Springbok caps, making his Test debut against France in 2017 in a historic moment alongside brother Jean-Luc, the first sons of a former Springbok – their father Robert – to play Test rugby. His most recent Bok appearances came against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in 2021, and a return to Durban would have placed him closer to national coach Rassie Erasmus.

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