Johann van Graan brings Springbok to Bath

The 30-year-old will join the club ahead of the 2026/27 season, arriving with extensive PREM Rugby experience as well as time spent with South African side Sharks.

Du Preez has earned six caps for South Africa, making his international debut against France during the 2017 Autumn Internationals.

Primarily a Number 8, he is also capable of playing in the second row or at flanker, offering valuable versatility across the forward pack.

Rugby runs in the du Preez family. His father, Robert Snr, played scrum-half for the Springboks, while his twin brother Jean-Luc currently plays for Bordeaux in the Top 14. His older brother Robert Jnr is a teammate at Sale Sharks.

Speaking about the move, du Preez said: “I’m really excited to be joining Bath. It’s a great club with huge ambition and incredible support behind it, and I can’t wait to get started and contribute to what the squad is building.”

He will link up with Bath during the 2026/27 pre-season, signing a two-year deal with the Blue, Black and White.

Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan said: “Our DNA is being tough to beat and Dan du Preez fits that mould perfectly.

“A ball carrier, a set piece expert and an excellent defender, we are looking forward to seeing what Dan will add to our group in the coming years.

“His Test and English PREM experience will be very valuable and, most importantly, he is a brilliant, family man.”