'A really difficult decision': Bok set to leave Sharks

NEWS: Robert du Preez will start a new chapter in his career next year.

Sale Sharks confirmed that the Springbok will leave the club at the end of the current season to pursue an opportunity abroad.

The 32-year-old South African international, who is out of contract next year, originally joined Sharks on loan in 2018 before making a permanent switch the following season.

Equally happy at flyhalf or in the centres, Rob quickly became a key part of the Sharks team and has gone on to make more than 160 appearances for the club, many alongside younger brothers Jean-Luc and Dan.

He has scored 881 points.

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𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮

Thank you, RDP. No words will ever do justice to your commitment, dedication and performances you have put in and will continue to put in the Sharks Shirt.

A Sharks legend.

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Read more here – https://t.co/mDv5qP2JCF pic.twitter.com/KV5m0MALr0

— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) October 7, 2025

Fans’ favourite Rob has clocked up 76 consecutive Prem starts – a league record – and last season his 1,520 minutes were bettered by only two players.

“This has been a really difficult decision because of the genuine love I have for the club, the city and my teammates.

“There will be plenty of time for talking at the end of the season – all my focus and commitment now is on making sure this is a season to remember for everyone associated with Sale Sharks.”

Rob started his career with the Western Province and the Stormers in Cape Town, making 57 appearances over four years, scoring 483 points.

He then went on to join the Sharks in Durban at the start of the 2018 season, where he won the Currie Cup under the tutelage of his father Rob Snr, before spending a short time on loan with Sale in the Prem at the end of the year.

The following year, Rob signed a permanent deal with Sale Sharks.

Rob Jnr won his first cap for South Africa against Wales in a test played in Washington DC in 2018.