Premiership outfit Sale Sharks have announced the departure of one of the powerful Du Preez twins at the end of the season.

Sale confirmed that Jean-Luc, who can play lock and across the row, will leave the English club to pursue an opportunity abroad. 

The 29-year-old joined the club on a permanent deal from the Durban-based Sharks along with twin Dan in July 2019, after spending some of the previous season on loan. 

He quickly became a key part of a powerful Sale pack and has since gone on to make almost 150 appearances for the Manchester side, many alongside Dan and older brother Rob.

Jean-Luc has played 20 matches for Sale in the 2024-25 campaign, 12 of them in the Premiership, and scored one try.

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“Sale is a special place. A place where I am excited to go in and see the boys every day. A place that has given me and my family so much and most importantly, a place I now call home,” he told the club’s website.  

“It’s been one hell of a ride. I will genuinely miss the club and the people that have helped me grow on and off the field, I am grateful to everyone.” 

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson added: “We understand the reasons for Jean-Luc leaving but we’re all gutted he’s leaving and everybody – not least his brothers – is going to miss him so much.”

Jean-Luc has played 14 Tests since making his Springbok debut as a replacement against Wales in 2016.

He last featured in the green and gold jumper off the bench in a 2023 World Cup warmup in Argentina.

𝙀𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧

Thank you JL, it’s been an absolute honour to watch you in a Sharks jersey over the years!

One of the hardest hitters who leaves everything out on the field week in, week out. You will be hugely missed on and off the field.

Read more here 👉… pic.twitter.com/7deAUcuYLU

— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) May 7, 2025

Photo: @SaleSharksRugby/Twitter