South Africa flanker Jean-Luc du Preez signs new deal with Sharks

Sharks have acted swiftly to ensure South Africa international Jean-Luc du Preez remains with the Durban outfit amid rumours of rivals Bulls showing interest on the flanker.

According to media reports, Bulls head coach was desperate to add the 22-year-old to his squad after also showing interest on Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Brits, Frans Malherbe and Wandisile Simelane after the Pretoria based side had a disappointing 2018 season that saw them finish at the bottom.

Nevertheless, du Preez has decided to remain with Sharks along with his father and two brothers.

Sharks communications manager Novashni Chetty in an interview with The Witness confirmed the news on du Preez.

“Jean-Luc is contracted to the Sharks, he’s actually just re-signed with the franchise, so those rumours that he might leave aren’t true,” she said.

“If a player has signed, you have to wait until he is a free agent before you can negotiate with them and Jean-Luc is no longer a free agent.”

Sharks' 2018 Super Rugby season ended with a 40-10 quarter-final defeat to Crusaders at AMI Stadium.