Durban based Super Rugby franchise the Sharks have confirmed that brothersBismarck
and Jannie du Plessis as well as Willem Alberts will play their final game for
the Sharks this weekend.
The Sharks have confirmed the departures of the Springbok trio but they have
yet to confirm where they will be playing in the future.
The Du Plessis brothers have been widely tipped to join Montpellier in France
under former Sharks Director of Rugby Jake White while Willem Alberts is believed
to be joining Stade Francais.
In other news former England prop Matt Stevens has been linked to Toulon in
France but the Sharks have yet to confirm his departure.
Bismarck’s career at the Sharks is now in its 11th year, having
made his senior rugby debut when he joined the Durban franchise in 2005. To
date he is the most capped Sharks player ever at Super Rugby level, with 129
appearances. He has also accumulated 39 Currie Cup caps, the number reflective
of his Springbok duties where he has represented South Africa 70 times.
Jannie joined The Sharks in 2008 after representing the Cheetahs between 2004
and 2007. He has appeared 117 times for the Sharks at Super Rugby level
and has 62 Test match appearances behind him.
They both played in two Rugby World Cups – in 2007 and 2011 – and together
share the record (42) for most Springbok Tests as brothers.
Willem made his debut for the Sharks in 2010 after moving to Durban
from the Lions and has accumulated a total of 91 appearances (72 in
Super Rugby and 19 in the Currie Cup competition) as well as 32 Springbok
caps.
These three players have been an influential and valued part of the
Sharks set-up and despite Management’s best efforts; we have been unable
to re-secure their services moving forward.
Confirming the news, The Sharks CEO John Smit said , “These three gents
have played an instrumental and invaluable role at The Sharks over the years.
It is naturally disappointing to lose these calibre of players that have given
so much to Sharks rugby. As in many senior statesmen’s careers they felt
the time was right to experience something different abroad.
“We will never forget the many courageous performances from these three
players, the countless outstanding performances and steals from Bissy, the rock
solid anchor at tighthead in Jannie and the enforcer in Willem. Not to mention
Jannie playing the victorious Currie Cup Final in 2013 with a broken hand.”
“On behalf of The Sharks I take this opportunity to thank them for their
dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to the franchise. We wish
them and their families the very best for this new chapter they are embarking
on.”