Sale statement: 'Huge coup' regarding in-demand du Preez twins

Sale have finally come clean on their big social media tease, revealing that South African twins Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez have both signed three-year contract extensions. The Sharks had got their fans guessing on Tuesday when they posted a gif of a smiling Alex Sanderson with the message, “When you hear the signing news we've got in the pipeline for this week!”

Sanderson refused to give any hint as to what the big announcement was about when he held his media briefing later on Tuesday ahead of this Friday’s Gallagher Premiership match at home to London Irish.

“You’re going to have to guess,” he told reporters. “I normally give you everything but this is the one stipulation when I went upstairs, they were like ‘Don’t mention a word, Radio Sanderson’ which I am. This is the one time I am going to behave myself.”

He promised, though, it would be Wednesday when Sale would release the news and he assured: “It’s encouraging, it’s good news, it’s a big statement.”

So it has proved. In a climate where the finances in the English game are being stretched to the limit and a short-term outlook has taken a firm hold, Sale have bucked that trend by keeping the du Preez twins on board in Manchester until the summer of 2026.

A statement read: “Sale Sharks are delighted to announce that twins Jean-Luc and Dan du Preez have signed new contracts committing their long-term futures to the club. The powerful 27-year-olds, who signed for the club on permanent deals in 2019, have put pen to paper on new contracts taking them up to the end of the 2025/26 season.

“The twins arrived in Manchester from Durban-based Super Rugby side Cell C Sharks, where they had played alongside older brother - and now Sale teammate - Rob. Since then both players have become key parts of the Sharks side, with versatile Jean-Luc, who initially joined on loan, racking up 83 appearances for the club, and number eight Dan featuring 73 times.

“Jean-Luc has won 13 international caps since making his Springbok debut as a replacement against Wales in Cardiff in 2016. Dan, who has six caps, made his debut for the Springboks the following year and in doing so made history.

“The twins’ dad Robert played seven Tests for South Africa and when Dan took the field against France, it was the first time in South African rugby that two sons of a Springbok had played Test rugby. In 2021 both Jean-Luc and Dan were named in the Springboks squad for the series against the British and Irish Lions.”

Sale boss Sanderson said: “Jean-Luc and Dan are two of the very best and most consistent performers in the Premiership and for them to both commit three of the best years of their careers to this club goes so far in shouting out what a special place this is.

“The lads had offers from Japan and from France but they want to be here and that demonstrates just how high our aspirations and ambitions are. Jean-Luc and Dan have had kids here, their families are happy here and they have really found a home. I know they’re from South Africa but they’re honorary Mancunians.”

Jean-Luc added: “I’m delighted that I will be staying with Sale and I’m really excited to see what we can produce as a group. My brothers and I come over in 2019 wanting to win something, and we have struggled over the last few seasons by Sale’s standards. However, I feel there is a renewed energy in the club and I think this might just be the year where we surprise a lot of people.”

Dan said: “I’m so excited to be here for the next four years and can’t wait to see where we go as a team. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. My family and I have made this home.”

Sharks CEO Sid Sutton concluded: “This is a huge coup for the club. Jean-Luc and Dan were highly sought after and had plenty of offers from both the Gallagher Premiership and abroad. They see what we are building here and they want to stay and be a part of it.

“It’s a huge statement of intent for us. We want to create an environment where the very best players feel like they can grow and thrive and be successful. Jean-Luc and Dan are absolutely integral to what we want to achieve and we are all thrilled that they have decided to stay.”