Du Plessis played for the Free State Cheetahs in 2003 before moving to the Sharks, from where he went on to play for the Springboks in 79 Tests, and also won the World Cup in 2007.

The fiery hooker is still at Montpellier, where he has been playing the French Top14 since 2015.

Du Plessis told OFM that the Cheetahs and the white jersey has a special place in his heart.

“With the Covid-19, all these rules and regulations, a lot of plans have changed in the business and rugby worlds.

“We’ve also had to change our plans a lot, but look, I really love that Cheetahs jersey.

“I played my first game for them in 2003, when Rassie Erasmus still played for them. So, a person never knows what might happen, but at this stage, we are still happy here.

“I wish that I could still play at least one game with Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn. We did play a lot of games together and we have so many wonderful memories. I hope those two guys can really excel in the Cheetahs jersey.

“I will give anything to pull the ‘Blikore’ jersey over my head again and to hear the Cheetahs song and the Harley Davidsons roaring. I would return to the Free State any day.”

Du Plessis, Pienaar and Steyn were teammates at Montpellier, the Sharks, and the Boks. The trio are also all products of the rugby factory, Grey College.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport