Union Bordeaux-Bègles Finds New Center as Nu'u Option Dwindles
The Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) has officially identified its new center for the upcoming season, as reports indicate the club has set its sights on Dan Du Plessis, a talented player from the Stormers. At the age of 31, Du Plessis has spent his entire professional career with the franchise based in Cape Town and has showcased his versatility by being able to play both as a first and second center. This season alone, he has participated in 12 matches, starting in 11 of them, highlighting his crucial role within the team. Despite his impressive performance, Du Plessis has yet to don the national colors of the Springboks, which adds an intriguing layer to his potential move to UBB.
According to sources from RugbyPass, while no formal agreement has been signed, discussions between UBB and Du Plessis are reportedly at an advanced stage. The need for a replacement arose after van Rensburg suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury, prompting the Bordeaux-Bègles management to pursue new options in the center position. Initially, the club had also considered making a move for Raymond Nu'u, but the negotiations faced hurdles due to the New Zealander being under contract until 2028, as reported by L’Équipe.
As the situation unfolded, it became clear that the Colomiers management was placing a high price tag on Nu'u, which led to UBB’s decision to focus on Du Plessis instead. The board made a bid that was perceived as significantly lower than what Colomiers expected, prompting their director, Yann Kergourlay, to suggest that the club was unlikely to let Nu'u go unless their financial demands were met. This turn of events has opened the door for Du Plessis to potentially step into a vital role at UBB, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming challenges in the Top 14.
As reported by xvovalie.com.
