Dan Du Preez

A Springbok-capped back-row forward, Dan du Preez has been one of the most physically imposing forwards in the English Premiership during his time with Sale Sharks. Born on 5 August 1995, the South African is best known as a ball-carrying No. 8 and blindside flanker whose size and power make him a handful for any defence to halt. He earned international honours with South Africa and built his reputation in his homeland before moving to the north of England. At Sale he has formed part of a formidable forward unit, often packing down alongside his twin brother, Jean-Luc, with the pair providing the club with serious go-forward and defensive presence. Du Preez's strengths are clear: dominant carrying, a strong set-piece contribution and the ability to gain hard yards in heavy traffic. Now into his thirties, he combines that raw physicality with the experience of a long career at the top level, remaining a key enforcer in the Sale pack.