Well, they are close-knit until it comes to the Currie Cup. Then Branco and younger brother Lee (13) support the Sharks whereas mom Maryna, dad Pieter, and brothers Delian (18) and Ryno (29) definitely support the Stormers. When Maryna admits "rugby is my lewe", it is no wonder that all the men in this Du Preez family play the sport, and play it well.
Although he matriculated from the Harmony Sports Academy, in the Free State, Branco attended PW Botha College until the end of Grade 10. He was deputy head boy at Van der Hoven Primary School where Lee plays rugby and is head boy. It was at his first school, Diepkloof Primary in Sinksabrug that Branco was officially introduced to the sport by Mr Schoeman. Since the age of six, when the rugby bug bit, Branco says all he had in mind was a "picture to play rugby". At school he bowled as a cricketer, took part in athletics, and enjoyed woodwork because "I enjoy to work with my hands", but "I just wanted to play rugby the whole time", Branco admits.
Before finishing school, Branco had played for the u.19 Griffon Currie Cup team for two years. He was also a member of South Africa’s junior Springbok side (the Jong Bokkies u/20) in their tour of Argentina last year, where the team ended third.
In 2009 Branco signed with the Blue Bulls but last year he committed all his efforts to the Blitzbokke.
Initially it was a big adjustment joining the team because he had so much to learn, but Branco says he quickly became "so attached to them...like a family". He looks forward to rejoining them in Stellenbosch on 17 July for training camp. By then his two hurt ligaments should have healed. His injury occurred during the first game of the last tournament played in Scotland - which the Blitzbokke went on to win - as Branco was on his way to the try line. When the leg of the player tackling him caused Branco’s knee and ankle to twist, all he remembers is screaming from the pain.
However this talented young player’s best memories are of his first tournament in New Zealand and another in Las Vegas, a city where the cars, casinos and hotels were huge. About the former tournament he says "it was something new" and "I was just excited to play". The huge crowds were awesome but he also quickly realised that he had to stay focused. This he ritually does by sitting quietly in the locker room, saying his prayers, looking at his jersey and focusing on what he has to do on the field.
In that first tournament he scored the only try in a match against Fiji, which was a great moment for him.
Mom and Lee also remember that day. They were so excited that "we could not sleep" as "we just wanted to see him play". Their makeshift bed was in front of the TV and dad was woken up just before the game started.
Travelling the world and meeting new people has definitely helped make him more confident, Branco says. But according to his family, he has not changed at all. Maryna says: "He is still himself and the quiet Branco who almost never talks unless you ask him something". Brother Delian, who himself is flyhalf for the Free State Akademie rugby team for the second year running, says: "He is always the same," and Lee adds; "He doesn’t try to be something that he isn’t." His family is very proud of him and dad Pieter says "hy kyk goed na ons".
When it comes to his rugby role model, this would be Jean de Villiers, who Branco says is "a cool guy" whose rugby he enjoys. He also has good leadership qualities which he would like to imitate.
For the moment, Branco’s ideal Saturday is watching and supporting local rugby teams with his family. He enjoys dancing and "listening to anything with a beat", especially RnB and House music. When asked if he can cook he laughingly admits "ek kan eiers bak" but enjoys a creamy pasta filled with vegetables and meat most.
When it comes to future goals, Branco says he would like to play for the Springbok sevens team for another four or five years, becoming well-known for the person that he is on and off the field, after which he has his eye on opening a sport shop and coaching school children.
The close-knit Du Preez family: Maryna, Delian, Branco, Lee and Pieter.
ARTICLE: LEEANNE PRATT
