Montpellier have confirmed that an agreement has been reached to release Vodacom Bulls-bound loose forward Jacques du Plessis at the end of the season.

Du Plessis has been heavily linked with a move to the Bulls as he looks to return to South Africa to be closer to his family during the global pandemic.

Montpellier on Sunday officially confirmed that they will release Du Plessis at the end of the season, despite his contract with the French club ending in June 2022.

Du Plessis joined Montpellier at the end of 2015 from the Bulls and has made 101 appearances for the club, scoring 11 tries. His popularity with Montpellier supporters led to his nickname, ‘Thor’.

The 27-year-old will boost the Bulls back row, which already counts Duane Vermeulen, Arno Botha, Nizaam Carr and Elrigh Louw among its ranks. His ability to play at lock will also make up for the fact that the Bulls missed out on signing Jason Jenkins, who opted to join Munster instead.

‘The COVID-19 crisis has changed my way of seeing things, and my career in particular,’ Du Plessis said in a statement.

‘I left my home in 2015, I had a great experience here in Montpellier, but I feel that today is the time for my family and I to return home. I thank President Altrad for his confidence and wish a bright future to this club which is somewhat mine.’

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