Investec Champions Cup winners Bordeaux Bègles have officially confirmed the signing of a Stormers back.
Dan du Plessis, 31, joins the French giants after spending his entire professional career in Cape Town, where he established himself as one of the Stormers’ most reliable midfielders over a decade with the franchise.
In announcing the signing, Bordeaux said Du Plessis arrives to bolster their midfield following the long-term injury to fellow South African Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
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The French club highlighted Du Plessis’ versatility, noting that he spent much of his career covering both midfield positions before making the No 12 jersey his own.
Du Plessis leaves the Stormers after making 95 appearances across all competitions, including 62 in the Vodacom URC and 20 in Super Rugby.
The move follows earlier reports that the experienced midfielder had agreed a two-year deal with the reigning European champions.
Du Plessis has been one of the Stormers’ longest-serving players and, alongside Ruhan Nel, became part of the franchise’s most-capped centre partnership when the duo started together for the 31st time in the URC semi-final against Leinster.
The son of former Springbok centre Michael du Plessis and nephew of Bok greats Carel and Willie du Plessis, he represented the Junior Springboks before forging a consistent professional career in Cape Town, although a senior Springbok call-up ultimately eluded him.
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At Bordeaux, Du Plessis joins a growing South African contingent that includes Springbok prop Carlü Sadie, loose forwards Jean-Luc du Preez and Tiaan Jacobs, as well as Janse van Rensburg. The club has also recruited young South African locks Robbie Combrinck and Diaan Augustyn, together with hooker Benjamin Coetzee.
His departure creates another opportunity for the Stormers’ next generation of midfield talent, with Johnny Roche and Junior Springbok standout Markus Muller both pushing for greater involvement next season.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Bordeaux finally unveil Stormers star appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Investec Champions Cup winners Bordeaux Bègles have officially confirmed the signing of a Stormers back.
The post Bordeaux finally unveil Stormers star appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
