Paul de Villiers embracing Springbok intensity as first cap beckons
Paul de Villiers is relishing the prospect of upgrading his Junior Springbok jersey to a senior strip as the Springboks' season gets underway this weekend.
Stormers centre Dan du Plessis set to join Champions Cup winners in France
According to RugbyPass, the experienced midfielder will officially join the French club on 1 July, ending a decade-long stint in the Western Cape.
Du Plessis, 31, has been one of the most reliable figures in the Stormers setup over the years, making 87 appearances. His recent seasons, however, have been affected by injury setbacks that limited his game time.
A member of one of South African rugby's most notable families, Du Plessis is the son of former Springbok centre Michael du Plessis and the nephew of former Springboks Carel du Plessis and Willie du Plessis.
Despite representing South Africa at U20 level and consistently performing in the United Rugby Championship, he never earned a senior Springbok call-up.
Reports indicate Bordeaux coach Yannick Bru has been monitoring Du Plessis for some time, with the French club's interest in the midfielder dating back several seasons.
At Bordeaux, Du Plessis will link up with several fellow South Africans, including prop Carlu Sadie, loose forwards Jean-Luc du Preez and Tiaan Jacobs, as well as centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Jean-Luc du Preez dismisses retirement reports as he targets return from injury setback
Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez has firmly dismissed reports in France suggesting he is on the verge of retirement due to ongoing concussion-related issues.
Nick Mallett tips Stormers youngster as a potential Springboks breakthrough star
Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett believes Stormers scrum-half Imad Khan has done enough with his recent performances to emerge as a surprise contender for national selection.
Boks bolster lock stocks with Stormers star Adre Smith
The Springboks have called up Adre Smith to the national squad as further cover for lock for the Barbarians and the SA 'A' team's clash against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday.