Jean-Luc du Preez signs new Sharks deal

The Sharks have moved swiftly to secure the services of one of the most promising young talents in the country with Jean-Luc du Preez deciding to stay in Durban.

The 22-year-old flanker had reportedly been identified by Bulls coach John Mitchell as one of his targets for next season.

According to recent media reports, Mitchell had requested R90 million from the Bulls board to lure Du Preez to the Pretoria outfit, while also showing his interest in Springboks Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Brits, Frans Malherbe and Junior Boks star Wandisile Simelane.

In an interview with The Witness, Sharks communications manager Novashni Chetty confirmed that Du Preez was staying in Durban, adding that the youngster had signed a new deal with the Durban-based side.

“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.”