The Sharks have confirmed that Bismarck and Yannie du Plessis as well as Willem Alberts will leave the Super Rugby franchise at season’s end with their sights reportedly set for French rugby.
The du Plessis brothers have been linked with Montpellier where former Sharks and Springboks coach Jake White is at the helm while Willem Alberts is linked with Stade Francais.
The move was confirmed by CEO John Smit on the Sharks website.
“On behalf of the Sharks I take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to the franchise.”
“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.”
While the loss of the three players will leave a massive hole in the Sharks playing roster, the Springboks are still permitted to choose overseas-based players which means that it’s not the end of the trio’s international careers.