Highly-rated SA lock signs for Scottish club

TRANSFER NEWS: South African lock JP du Preez has become the first new signing announced by Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2022/23 season, after agreeing to make the move north from Sale Sharks at the end of the current campaign subject to visa.

At 2.09 metres, Du Preez became the tallest player to have ever played a Super Rugby match when he made his competitive debut for the Lions back in 2015.

The 27-year-old from Roodeport joined Sale Sharks in November 2020, making 18 appearances for the English Premiership side to date.

A physical presence with ball in hand, he has also proven a menace for Premiership line-outs; currently the lock sits joint-fourth in the table for line-out steals, as well as providing Sale with a platform from which to launch their attack.

Prior to his switch to Sale, du Preez made 31 appearances for the Cheetahs in the Pro14 between 2018 and 2020.

Indeed, the newest Warrior has previous experience of playing in front of the Scotstoun faithful, having come off the bench for the final five minutes of Glasgow’s 35-17 victory over the Cheetahs in 2019.

"I’m really excited to be joining Glasgow Warriors," said du Preez

"Glasgow play a style of rugby that I like to play – running rugby with a hard and physical edge.

"I like to think I’ll complement their style of play and I believe I bring strong line-out presence and a physicality in both attack and defence.

"I’ve played against Warriors in the past and they’re a very tough side to compete against, especially in Glasgow in front of their home fans.

"I can’t wait to be a part of the team."

Glasgow head coach Danny Wilson added: "We’ve been impressed with JP's recent performances for Sale Sharks.

"At 6’10”, and 122kg he’s the type of physical player we wanted to add to our squad.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience having played in the PRO14, Premiership and Super Rugby and we look forward to welcoming him to the club next season."