Du Preez made his provincial debut during 2001 for the Blue Bulls in a match against the Leopards in the Currie Cup competition.

It was here that Du Preez got recognised as a star of the future alongside halfback partner and best friend, the late Francois Swart.

He played alongside Bulls and Springboks teammates Wynand Olivier, Derick Kuun and Pierre Spies, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Stormers lock Adriaan Fondse and former Stade Français lock Cliff Milton.

Du Preez was selected for the second time for South Africa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The first match was against Wales which South Africa won with tries from François Steyn and one from Francois Hougaard which Du Preez set up.