Tuesday 9 June 2015 12:00, UK
South Africa Super Rugby team the Sharks have confirmed Springbok trio Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis and Willem Alberts will leave the club at the end of the season.
The forwards have been linked with French clubs with the Du Plessis brothers reportedly heading for Montpellier - where former Sharks and Springboks coach Jake White is in charge - and Alberts moving to Stade Francais.
Hooker Bismarck Du Plessis, who has represented South Africa 70 times, joined the Durban side in 2005, and is their most capped Super Rugby player with 129 appearances, while Jannie signed on in 2008 after representing the Cheetahs between 2004 and 2007.
He has appeared 117 times for the Sharks at Super Rugby level and has played 62 Test matches for the Springboks. The duo figured 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 Absa Currie Cup competition) along with 32 caps for the national side.
On behalf of the Sharks I take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to the franchise.
Confirming the news of their departures on the Sharks website, 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."
Their last match in the black and white jersey will be on Saturday against the Stormers at Growthpoint Kings Park.
