Jean-Luc du Preez dismisses retirement reports as he targets return from injury setback

French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reported last week that the 30-year-old Bordeaux Begles back-rower, a member of the back-to-back Investec Champions Cup-winning squad, was considering stepping away from the game.

Those claims followed comments from Bordeaux Begles president Laurent Marti, who admitted concern over Du Preez’s long-term future in rugby after a lengthy concussion lay-off that has kept him sidelined for much of 2026.

"I have serious doubts, but there are medical experts for that," he told Sud Ouest. "If it were my son, I would ask him to stop because I'm very scared."

However, Du Preez has since pushed back on the speculation, telling Rapport that he remains focused on continuing his career, and that his extended time away from the game was based on doctors' advice.

The 30-year-old has not featured since 18 January but is targeting a return at the start of Top 14 pre-season in late July.

"I hope to be ready next season," he said. "We're off for six weeks, then we start pre-season preparations. I hope to be ready for the pre-season, which starts at the end of July.

"I've seen several doctors and specialists and their recommendation was that I should rest until then," he added.

"My symptoms have improved a lot over the last few months. I'm feeling a lot better at the moment.

"I just thought it was better not to take any chances this past season. I hope to get back on the field as soon as possible. The year has been very challenging for me. I've never played so little rugby in a season."

Despite his recent absence, Du Preez - who earned 14 Test caps between 2016 and 2023 - was included in Rassie Erasmus' virtual alignment camp for overseas-based players earlier this year.

He missed out on the 2023 World Cup before playing his way back into Springbok contention in 2025, but further frustration followed last year when illness ruled him out of the Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Cape Town, before a knee injury prevented a potential return against New Zealand at Eden Park.