Du Plessis brothers not keen to go
Springbok brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis will meet with French agents, but they are not very keen to move abroad.
It was reported on Wednesday that the Bok duo will meet a French agent in Durban on Thursday.
It is believed there are more than one French club interested in the services of the two Bok front row forwards.
Sharks Commercial Manager Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to this website that they are aware of the presence of a French agent.
However, the Sharks are likely to make a counter to offer to whatever the French clubs put on the table.
"We are communicating with them [the Du Plessis brothers]," Straeuli told this website, adding: "I can't say much more than that."
The Sharks are not the only parties keen on keeping the two Bok veterans in South Africa.
They are currently also in negotiations with the South African Rugby Union over their Springbok contracts.
The South African Rugby Players Association and SARU have come to an agreement over the amount that will be paid to the Boks this year, but coach Heyneke Meyer must still finalise which Boks will get how much.
The value of their Boks contracts, on top of their provincial/franchise contracts and external commercial agreements, will play a big role in determining how serious the brothers will take the French offers.
The Boks coach is currently speaking to players, a process that is unlikely to be concluded before the end of the month.
The reality is that even with a Bok contract, the offers from the cash-flush French clubs are very difficult to match.
While the discussion with the French agents will give them additional leverage, it is a known fact that the two Boks are not keen to leave South Africa and the Sharks.
Bismarck du Plessis – who is currently recovering from knee surgery – has business interests in Durban and a farm that he shares with Brother Jannie – who is keen on expanding a local medical practice.
While the news of the French agents will cause a stir in the next few days, it is not a given that they will depart anytime soon.
By Jan de Koning
