South Africa’s most-capped Sevens player, Branco du Preez, has announced his retirement from international Sevens rugby after a glittering career in the shortened version of the game.
The 32-year-old made the decision after participating in the recent Cape Town leg of the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series where South Africa were knocked out in the semi-finals.
Represented South Africa Sevens with distinction
Du Preez has represented his country in 85 World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments – a record for the Springbok Sevens which places him in the eighth overall spot in the history of the World Series.
He represented South Africa in 431 matches, scoring 1447 points, which included 101 tries, a career-high 468 conversions and a drop goal.
Du Preez won 24 tournaments, three World Series gold medals and he was also part of South Africa’s triumphant Sevens squad at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.
His 468 conversions is a South African record and also the fifth highest in World Series history while his 431 matches played puts him in fourth position on the all-time list.
Du Preez made his Springbok Sevens debut in Wellington in 2010 and he has been a regular member of the Blitzbok side ever since.
“My time has come to turn a new page and say goodbye to the Blitzboks team,” said Du Preez.
“I am sad to leave but excited about what is to come! I cannot thank this team enough for all of the lessons – every win and loss. Every trial and triumph we’ve faced has shaped me into the player that I am today.
“I’d like to thank SA Rugby and my former head coaches, Paul Treu and Neil Powell, for giving me the opportunity to represent my country. Thank you to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, which has been a second home to me and, of course, my team-mates, current and former. I wish the current team all of the best in the forthcoming tournaments.”
Du Preez, who also represented the South Africa U20 side, the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions in the 15-a-side game, is currently negotiating with numerous prospective clubs and unions.
Springbok Sevens coach Sandile Ngcobo was full of praise his former team-mate and player.
“Everyone loves a good underdog story and the beauty of rugby is that there is a time and place for everyone, regardless of size,” he said.
“Usually, it’s the little guys who get run over by the big guys or big teams over small teams, but Branco du Preez is an unadulterated example of pure technique, heart and his sevens career proves him victorious.
“My first impression of Branco du Preez was shaped when watching fundamental and principles footage where coach Neil used as him as an example. He made Solomon King, one of the biggest New Zealand players on the Sevens circuit at that time, look like a 50kg player. But in reality, King was way above 100kg, compared to ‘Bibo’s’ 78kg.
“The second is of ‘Bibo’ playing against Canada in Las Vegas. Canada once had an enormous forward (Adam Zaruba), who mowed down players weekly. I remember Adam made a line break and ran straight at ‘Bibo. The whole stadium stood up in anticipation, and ‘Bibo’ folded big Zaruba into the advertisement boards.
“It was an honour to have played and won championships with ‘Bibo’. I witnessed true determination and detailed work ethic. No one needed to tell or remind him to do extra kicking, rehab, strength, or analysis.
Punched above his weight
“He was an absolute professional. His strength and power (body to weight ratio) and determination in his roles and responsibilities for the team, in our system, were an epiphany of what surfaced on the field especially in contact and pressure moments.
“Most importantly, Branco was a warrior, a man of integrity and a team guy. I treasure our memories, the things I’ve learned and our friendship. He’s a true example of what our Blitzbok system creates and lives out via our culture and our actions on and off the field – inspiring hope and being pioneers of greatness.
“It’s been a privilege to have coached and worked with a legend of the Sevens game. Thank you Branco ‘Bibo’ du Preez.”
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