Du Preez agrees a two year deal with Munster

WHEN prop Wian du Preez jetted back to South Africa four months ago to rejoin the Cheetahs from Munster the 27-year-old said he would relish the opportunity to be part of Tony McGahan’s squad at some future date.
Du Preez’s opportunity to return to Munster has come about quicker than many expected.


The Springbok has this week agreed a two-year deal to return to Munster after impressing while on loan at Thomond Park in the middle of last season.
Wian du Preez initially joined Munster on a three-month deal from Super 14 outfit the Cheetahs last November in place of the injured Marcus Horan.
The South African made his debut in the Magners League clash with the Ospreys at the start of December and played his sixth and final game for the province in the Heineken Cup against the Northampton Saints in January.
It is reported that since his return to South Africa to play in the Super 14 with the Cheetahs, du Preez had become disillusioned by the absence of a call-up from the Springboks selectors.
Speaking just prior to his departure from Munster earlier this year du Preez said he had really enjoyed his time with the Irish province.
“I would love to come back if the opportunity arises. I really enjoyed my stint here,” Wian du Preez said.
“My wife and I were very happy and everyone looked after us really well. With the guys and the set-up, everything was brilliant.
“Playing for Munster, you have a special bond and team spirit is really special. It’s like a brother bond you’ve got.
“Then there is the crowd. The people are crazy about Munster and that lifts you when you are tired or when you’ve got to go around and ruck again, it just motivates you.”
Du Preez’s agent, Stephan Weyers, told South African newspaper Volksblad: “Wian played for Munster in the Heineken Cup during his off-season after South Africa’s end-of-season tour in ‘09.
“They were really impressed by his scrummaging and commitment and have made a good offer.
“We told (Cheetahs coach) Naka (Drotske) early on that we are considering another offer and were open with him from the outset.
“Wian would love to come and end his career at the Cheetahs.”
While Du Preez is Munster-bound Leinster’s South African prop is on his way back to South Africa to ensure that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers can consider him for next year’s World Cup in New Zealand. CJ Van der Linde has already signed a contract with the Free State Cheetahs to strengthen last year’s Currie Cup runners-up and has also been rewarded with a place in the Springbok team for the June 5 Test against Wales in Cardiff.
In a statement on their official website Munster Rugby said du Preez would prove a valuable addition to the squad.
“The highly regarded and popular player will be a very valuable addition to the Munster squad in the run up to and throughout the World Cup,” the statement said.

COLM KINSELLA