Jan du Preez

Jan Gysbert Hermanus du Preez was a South African rugby union player who made one Test match appearance in 1956.
He was the last surviving member of the [1956 South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa rugby union tour of Australia and New Zealand|1956 Springboks rugby union tour of Australia and New Zealand], dying in June 2024.

Playing career

Du Preez was born in Piketberg and received his schooling at Piketberg High School. He then enrolled at Stellenbosch University to study for a BSc degree and later gained a doctorate in chemistry.
While a student, du Preez began playing provincial rugby for Western Province as a centre, before moving to the wing. His only Test appearance for South Africa came on the 1956 tour of Australia and New Zealand. He was selected to play in the first Test against the All Blacks at Carisbrook, Dunedin—a match that South Africa lost 10–6. Preez died on 19 June 2024, at the age of 93.