Alarm bells are ringing for the career of Springbok flanker Jean-Luc du Preez who remains sidelined with ongoing concussion woes. The 31-year-old was slated to hit the pitch for Bordeaux Bègles in their recent Top 14 showdown against Racing 92, yet he was conspicuously absent from the lineup.
Reports indicate that Du Preez will stay off the field until he gets a green light from the medical board. His last game dates back to January 18, and his extended absence has fueled concerns and even retirement rumors in the rugby circles of France.
Bordeaux's president, Laurent Marti, expressed his fears earlier in June:
"I have serious doubts, but there are medical experts for that. If it were my son, I would ask him to stop because I’m very scared."
Despite these concerns, Du Preez has rejected any notion of hanging up his boots just yet. In his resolve to return, he has sought advice from numerous medical professionals and aimed for a comeback in the upcoming Top 14 season.
Speaking on his recovery, Jean-Luc du Preez shared:
"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."
However, a recent report notes that Du Preez did not reply to inquiries about his expected return timeline. The stalwart joined Bordeaux from Sale towards the end of last year and boasts 14 Test caps for South Africa, earned between 2016 and 2023.
Just as it seemed he was on track to reclaim his spot with the Springboks last year, a bout of illness kept him from a Rugby Championship game against the Wallabies in Cape Town. A subsequent knee injury also prevented his participation in a critical match against the All Blacks at Eden Park.
This string of misfortunes leaves both fans and the player himself in a state of uncertainty, eagerly waiting for a comeback that both restores his health and sees him reclaim his prowess on the pitch.
