Career
His usual position was at fly-half. He spent the first decade of his career (between 1999 and 2009) in Johannesburg, where he played Super Rugby and the Lions (initially known as the Cats) and domestic South African provincial rugby for the Golden Lions, returning there for another spell in 20111. Additionally, he also played with the Natal Sharks and the Leopards and had spells at French clubs Toulon and Carcassonne.
Pretorius made his international debut for the Springboks on 8 June 2002 at fly-half against Wales at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
He played in the subsequent 19–8 victory over the Welsh. He notched up one try, five conversions and three penalty goals in his third match as a Springbok against Argentina.
After playing in another Test against Samoa, in which he again played a large role with his kicking ability, Pretorius was included in the Springboks 2002 Tri Nations Series squad. He played in three Tri Nations matches, two against the All Blacks and one against Australia, with South Africa losing all three.
He earned a further three caps for the Springboks that year in November against Northern Hemisphere sides, playing matches against France, England and Scotland, all of which South Africa lost.
He returned to international duties in July 2003 as a reserve in the 52–16 loss against the All Blacks during the 2003 Tri Nations Series. He was moved to fullback for the following match against Australia which the Springboks lost 29–9. Pretorius himself scored a try, as well as eight conversions and a penalty goal — 24 of the Lions" total 74 points.
On 19 June 2009, Perth-based Super Rugby franchise the Western Force announced Pretorius as its international marquee-signing for the 2010 Super 14 season.
However, he failed to appear in any matches for the side and he returned to South Africa to rejoin the Lions. In May 2011, he signed up with French club Toulon, where he made 5 appearances.
He returned to South Africa to play for the Potchefstroom-based Leopards at the start of 2012. He had one more spell in France, this time with Carcassonne for the 2013-2014 Rugby Pro D2 season.