Du Preez extends his stay with Solly
CONTRACT NEWS: Scotland international back row Cornell du Preez has committed his future to Warriors until the end of the 2021/22 season.
Du Preez joined Warriors from Edinburgh in 2018 and recovered from suffering a fractured larynx on his debut against Wasps.
He was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but du Preez defied medical opinion by returning to action at the end of March.
This season du Preez has started every Premiership match and has now signed an extension to his existing contract which expires at the end of the season.
“It was a pretty easy decision. The club have looked after me pretty well, especially when I was injured,” du Preez said.
“I just felt it was the right thing to do. I think this club has a lot of potential and it’s something that I want to be a part of.
“We have a close squad and it’s a good environment to be around. There’s a lot of competition for places and it keeps everybody on their toes.”
Du Preez played for Eastern Province Kings in his native South Africa where he was first coached by Alan Solomons, who is now Warriors’ Director of Rugby.
Du Preez was again coached by Solomons at Guinness Pro-14 side Edinburgh and he is relishing the opportunity to continue that working relationship.
“I’ve pretty much been with Solly since 2012. He’s very honest about what he wants from you as a player,” du Preez said.
“I think we are in the right place now to push on to become a top-six club, which he has been working towards. We have a strong academy as well with good young players coming through so it’s a good place to be at the moment.”
Du Preez is the eleventh member of the current Warriors squad to sign a contract extension within the past month and Solomons is delighted to have retained his services.
“I have had the privilege of coaching Cornell since 2012, first at The Kings in Super Rugby and then at Edinburgh and now here at Sixways,” Solomons said.
“Cornell is an exceptional player. He has terrific skills, a good rugby brain and is as tough as nails. Not many players would have come back after the horrific injuries he has suffered.
“Not surprisingly, he has played for Scotland. I am absolutely delighted that he has decided to extend his stay here with us at Warriors. He is a great bloke and I look forward to us continuing our long rugby journey together.”
