Unlucky Bok set for injury comeback

A Springbok could return to the rugby field this weekend following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Jean-Luc du Preez is finally set to make his debut for Bordeaux Bègles.

The 14-Test Bok loose forward joined the French Top 14 club from the Sale Sharks in the off-season, but a knee injury in September delayed his debut. He has now completed three full weeks of training and is in contention to feature against Racing 92 in the Top 14 on Saturday.

“I hope he’ll be available this week to play in the match. It will also allow us to rest some of the back-row players who have played a lot,” said Bordeaux Bègles coach Noel McNamara.

“I hope Jean-Luc can contribute, because he’s a top-level player. He’s already shown that with the Springboks, the Sharks and Sale.”

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Du Preez wore the Bok No 8 jersey in the non-cap match against the Barbarians in Cape Town in June, and was set to make his first Test start in seven years against the Wallabies in Cape Town in August, only to be ruled out on the morning of the match due to illness. A planned start against the All Blacks in Auckland followed, before the knee injury struck in training.

Now fit again, the 30-year-old will be eager to reset in France, with regular Top 14 and Investec Champions Cup action offering a platform to put himself back on the Springbok radar.

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Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images