Frik du Preez

Frederik Christoffel Hendrik "Frik" du Preez (born 28 November 1935) is a former South African rugby union player who represented Northern Transvaal and the Springboks. He was born on a farm near Rustenburg and went to school at Parys High School in Parys (Orange Free State). Du Preez mostly played in the flank or lock positions.

Frik du Preez
Birth nameFrederik Christoffel Hendrik du Preez
Date of birth (1935-11-28) 28 November 1935
Place of birthRustenburg, South Africa
Height1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight106 kg (16 st 10 lb)
SchoolParys High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock, flanker
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1958–1971 Northern Transvaal 109 ()
Correct as of 2007-12-26
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1961–1971 South Africa 38 (11)
Correct as of 2007-12-26

Du Preez made his test debut for the Springboks on 7 January 1961 in the flank position against England at Twickenham. He played his last test on 7 August 1971 at the age of 35 as a lock against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Du Preez was an excellent all-round footballer, and like Australian lock John Eales, he was that rare phenomenon: a lock that could kick and even drop kick. Although he was not particularly tall, he was a tower of strength in the line-out. In addition he had a fantastic turn of speed and fine running skills with ball in hand, as he showed in the try he scored against the British Lions in 1968.

As an expression of the esteem that he is held in by South African rugby fans, Du Preez was named the country's rugby player of the 20th century.

References
  • "Frik Du-Preez - Biography". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  • "Frik Du-Preez - International Record". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  • Morgan, Brad. "Rugby: Frik du Preez". southafrica.info. Retrieved 2007-12-26.
  • "Frik du Preez". rugbyhalloffame.com. Retrieved 2007-12-26.
  • "FRIK DU PREEZ". sporthalloffame.co.za. Archived from the original on 2008-05-23. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  • "Frik Du Preez". scrum.com. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
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