Sale Sharks sign South Africa international Robert du Preez on short-term deal

South Africa international Robert du Preez has been signed by Gallagher Premiership Sale Sharks on a short-term loan contract.

The decision follows after AJ MacGinty has been sidelined with a shoulder injury that he sustained while playing for the USA Eagles during the summer. He will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after undergoing a surgery.

The 25-year-old fly-half will be with the AJ Bell Stadium for the next three months and will join them with immediate effect after helping his side Sharks to Currie Cup win last weekend.

Du Preez made his professional rugby debut with Western Province in 2014 and made his Super Rugby start with Stormers a year later.

He later switched to Sharks in 2018 and made his debut for South Africa during the summer series against Wales that remains his only international appearance until now.

"Rob comes with an outstanding CV and will be a fantastic injury replacement for AJ MacGinty," said Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond.

Sale Sharks are currently positioned 11th in the Gallagher Premiership with two wins from six matches but have managed to win both their games in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.