The Bulls are seeking to sign a decorated tight forward who was part of Jake White’s 2007 Rugby World Cup winning team.

As reported in Sunday newspaper Rapport, and subsequently confirmed by SARugbymag.co.za, the Bulls have initiated negotiations with Bismarck du Plessis, and the talks between the two camps are said to have been progressing positively.

Du Plessis, who won 79 caps for the Springboks, joined French club Montpellier after the 2015 Rugby World Cup along with his brother, prop Jannie.

In six seasons in France, the abrasive hooker played 108 games for Montpellier, scoring 27 tries, and was part of the squad that twice won the European Challenge Cup (2016, 2021).

A World Cup winner in 2007 under Jake White, the 37-year-old Du Plessis also played under White at Montpellier and now it appears the pair could be set for a reunion at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bulls’ interest in Du Plessis has reportedly spiked following the inclusion of hooker Johan Grobbelaar in South Africa’s Rugby Championship squad, while he would be able to serve in an important mentorship role.

Du Plessis recently opened up about his time in France in a wide-ranging interview with SA Rugby magazine that can be read here.

Photo: Gallo Images