Sale Sharks sign South African second-row

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of South African second-row Jean-Pierre du Preez, who joins the Premiership club from the Cheetahs.

The lock has signed a two-year contract and will link up with the Sharks squad at their Carrington training base with immediate effect.

Du Preez will be available for selection following completion of his mandatory isolation period upon entering the UK from South Africa.

Towering lock

At 2.09 metres, he is the tallest player to ever be registered in Super Rugby and will be the second tallest Premiership player in history.

Du Preez started his senior career with the Lions in Johannesburg, making his Super Rugby debut in 2015. He went on to make only three more appearances for the Lions before moving to the Cheetahs in 2018. During his time at the Cheetahs, he made 26 appearances in both Super Rugby and the PRO14.

Commenting on Monday’s announcement, Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond was keen to see what Du Preez could do during his time in England.

“We were hit pretty hard with injuries in the second-row towards the back end of last season and with Lood de Jager and Josh Beaumont still out, it was imperative we found the right person to come in and ease the load in that area,” he said. “JP comes from South Africa with great pedigree and is a huge lad with a good skillset so I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Gallagher Premiership.”