Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis says moving to the Vodacom Bulls has helped him rediscover his love for the game, while shedding light on his relationship with Jake White.

Du Plessis came out of retirement to play for the Bulls last season as the Pretoria side went all the way to the final in the inaugural Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

“My role is very simple, I would like to make a difference in my teammates’ careers,” Du Plessis told Netwerk24.

“Since I came to play for the Bulls, I have rediscovered my love for rugby. It’s probably because it reminds me of when I started at the Sharks.

“When I was a young player at the Sharks, guys like Johan Ackermann and Percy [Montgomery] had a big influence on my career. I would like to give back, even if it is also a small contribution.”

Du Plessis has been coached by Jake White at three different stages of his career: when he started his Springbok career in 2007, at the Sharks in 2013-14, and final at Montpellier in 2015-2017.

It was at the Sharks where rumours of a falling out between the two surfaced.

“People have said a lot about me and Jake, but what you hear is not always the truth,” Du Plessis said. “We’ve always had a good relationship, but we’ve also had our differences.

“My wife and I also disagree sometimes.”

Photo: EJ Langner/Gallo Images