RUGBY NEWS - The Vodacom Bulls have honoured one of their legends, South Africa's player of the century, Frik du Preez by naming their northern pavilion in his honour.
Du Preez, a legendary figure in Pretoria circles, was born on 28 November 1935 and represented the Springboks on 38 occasions.
Du Preez made his test debut for the Springboks on 7 January 1961 on the flank against a powerful English team at Twickenham. He played his last test on 7 August 1971 at the age of 35, wearing the number 4 jersey, against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He was an excellent all-round footballer that often left crowds and opposition in awe of his skills.
Although he was not particularly tall standing at 1.89m, 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.
According to Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, honoring ‘Oom’ Frik further enhances the strategy to keep their values, traditions, and history strong. This also includes bringing back the light blue jersey, the Daisy and making the Carlton League strong again.
“Oom Frik is an all-time legend and thanks to him, the players before him and those that followed, Loftus Versfeld and the Vodacom Bulls became iconic in the world of rugby.”
Frik du Preez said that this accolade was a tremendous honour. “I see this as a tribute to all former Northern Transvaal and Bulls players. Rugby is a team sport, and without my teammates, I would not have been able to achieve the success I did.”
Renaming the North Pavilion after Frik du Preez, forms part of the upgrading of the pavilion which will also include a Bulls Museum.
