JAPAN SAVED MY RUGBY CAREER
Scrumhalf says stint changed his view of the game
PLAYING rugby in Japan saved scrumhalf Fourie du Preez from calling a premature end to his illustrious career by freshening his mind, body and outlook on life. And now he’s back — hungry and ready to enjoy a second stint as a Springbok, a little older, possibly better and most of all, fitter than ever.
“After 2011 my body was battered after playing through so many injuries for 11 years,” the 31-year-old Du Preez says. “Going to Japan has saved my career because I couldn’t have managed another season of Super Rugby in 2012. I would have had to retire by now.
“You can get away with the intensity of Super Rugby and a full test season for two or three years, but it catches up with you after that.”
Du Preez was the surprise call-up to the Springbok squad by coach Heyneke Meyer last week. He could feature against Argentina in the Rugby Championship opener at FNB Stadium next weekend, 22 months after playing his 62nd test in the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
“Heyneke contacted me about six weeks ago, just before I went back to Japan after a fourmonth break in South Africa,” Du Preez says. “He said he would like to consider me for selection and I agreed to talk to the people at Suntory about the possibility of playing for the Springboks again. They were very accommodating and we’ve agreed to a schedule that frees me for some Bok games.
“Unfortunately I can’t be involved in every match during the Rugby Championship because I also had to take Suntory’s needs into consideration, so I’ll only be eligible for the home tests. And if everything goes well I’ll be available for the end-of-year tour.”
Meyer made it clear he wanted Du Preez to play for the Boks last season, but the scrumhalf declined then. So what’s changed in the past year?
“There are a few reasons why I couldn’t play last year,” Du Preez says. “I had been on a three-month break and hadn’t really trained properly. A week before the squad to face England was announced, Heyneke asked me if I could play.
“I declined because I wasn’t in top physical condition and it would have been an injustice to the Bok jersey.
“Secondly, when I decided back in 2010 that I would go to Japan after RWC 2011 I gave them my word to be fully committed. My initial contract ran until March this year and when we renegotiated a two-year
I couldn’t have managed another season of Super Rugby in 2012. I would have had to retire by now
extension, I asked that if an opportunity to play for the Boks came around again, I’d like to be free to play some games. They agreed.”
The scars of a heartbreaking RWC campaign in 2011 also needed some healing.
“After the World Cup quarterfinal loss (11-9 against Australia), I don’t think mentally I was quite ready to come back to test rugby last year.
“Losing that game was a bitter pill to swallow, and those of us involved needed some time to get over it. There was a lot of pressure on us as a team but the most pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself. I needed a change for my own sake.”
Time is a great healer and after two seasons in Japan, where Du Preez and his family have embraced life in Tokyo, he is ready to mix it with the best in the Rugby Championship. It’s almost like a test debut again.
So instead of a four-month holiday during the Japanese offseason, Du Preez trained intensely, sometimes joining the Bulls Super Rugby squad practices. He knew if Meyer called again, he’d be ready, physically and contractually.
Watching Suntory teammate George Smith play superbly while on loan to the Brumbies in Super Rugby, also inspired Du Preez. They are next-door neighbours in Tokyo and Smith’s success inspired him.
“Japan has been fantastic for me and the rugby is played at a higher level than I expected,” Du Preez says. “The training and coaching (Eddie Jones is director of rugby) is among the best I’ve encountered.
“Playing there has also broadened my view of the game after 11 years of playing for the Bulls and the Springboks. I was boxed in: doing the same things. But after two seasons in Japan, mentally I’ve changed my view of the game.
“I also believe I’ve improved and in the next few weeks I can hopefully put those improvements to the test at the highest level.”