Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis is relishing the chance of playing under Jake White at Montpellier.

Du Plessis, who arrived at the French club earlier this week, was part of White’s 2007 World Cup-winning squad and played under him at the Sharks in 2014.

‘Jake took charge and drove us to the semi-finals of Super Rugby, and he gave me my first cap for the Springboks,’ he said. ‘I have great respect for him, he brings out the best in his players. And more importantly, his record speaks for itself. I really want to work with him again.’

However, Du Plessis revealed it was owner Mohad Altrad who convinced him to join Montpellier.

‘The way Mr Altrad approached me was a deciding factor. I hope that he's made the right choice, not the other way round, and that I can make the fans feel proud of me and the team while I'm playing here,’ said Du Plessis.

At the time, Bismarck's brother Jannie was also considering a move to Europe, but neither of them expected to end up at the same club. That all changed when they were approached by Altrad.

‘He contacted us when we were considering our next move, and naturally, we were thinking that Jannie and myself would go and play for separate clubs. But it's always good to have your brother at your side. It makes the change easier for him and for me.’

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images