The Vodacom Bulls have announced the signing of loose forward Jacques du Plessis from French club Montpellier, effective 1 July on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old Du Plessis, affectionately known as ‘Sheep’, started his professional career at Loftus Versfeld where he made his Vodacom Super Rugby (31 caps), Currie Cup (30 caps) and Vodacom Cup debuts in 2013, after representing the Blue Bulls at U19 and U21 levels.

The former Junior Springbok and SA Schools flank, who slots in at lock with ease, moved to Montpellier at the end of 2015 where he went on to earn more than 100 caps for the French Top 14 club.

Du Plessis was renowned for his uncompromising play and ferocious tackling while at Loftus Versfeld and cemented his style of play while in France.

‘Having Jacques return to Loftus is testament to what we’re trying to establish in Pretoria … a franchise where players want to be! His ability to play as a loose forward and lock gives us depth amongst the forwards. Jacques is an extremely physical and uncompromising player, and we’re looking forward to his contributions in the #TrueToTheBlue jersey,’ said Bulls director of rugby Jake White.