Robert du Preez (rugby union, born 1963)

Robert James du Preez (born 19 July 1963 in Potchefstroom) is a former South African international rugby union player and former head coach of the Super Rugby team. His regular position was scrum-half.

Playing career
Du Preez started his provincial career with Western Transvaal in 1982. He then moved to Northern Transvaal, where his regular halfback partner was Naas Botha. He ended his playing career with Natal.

Du Preez played seven test matches for the Springboks in 1992 and 1993. He also played in eight tour matches, scoring nine tries for the Springboks.

Coaching career
He coached KwaZulu-Natal sides Crusaders (in 2010) and College Rovers (between 2011 and 2013) before returning to his home town of Potchefstroom to coach both provincial side the and university side.

Personal
Du Preez's eldest son – also called Robert – is a professional rugby player that played provincial rugby for and for the South Africa Under-20 side at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.

He also has two younger twin sons – Dan and Jean-Luc – that were both included in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship. All three sons were selected for the Sharks squad for the 2019 Super Rugby competition.

Accolades
Du Preez was also a South African Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee in 1987 and a South African Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 1989 and 1990.