Cape Town - Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis has revealed why he decided to turn down a lucrative offer from French Top 14 club Toulon.
Sport24 earlier reported that Toulon had the Sharks hard-man firmly in their sights.
In an interview with the Midi Olympique newspaper, Du Plessis said he was very tempted to go and play for the European champions.
He said players like Frederic Michalak, Danie Rossouw and Juan Smith had told him that Toulon are the best. He also noted how Bakkies Botha had become fitter and stronger while playing there.
However, Du Plessis' father is very ill and that made him decide to stay in South Africa.
The 29-year-old wants his father to spend the last days of his life alongside his two sons.
Du Plessis' brother, Jannie, also plays for the Durban-based Sharks.
Sport24 earlier reported that Toulon had the Sharks hard-man firmly in their sights.
In an interview with the Midi Olympique newspaper, Du Plessis said he was very tempted to go and play for the European champions.
He said players like Frederic Michalak, Danie Rossouw and Juan Smith had told him that Toulon are the best. He also noted how Bakkies Botha had become fitter and stronger while playing there.
However, Du Plessis' father is very ill and that made him decide to stay in South Africa.
The 29-year-old wants his father to spend the last days of his life alongside his two sons.
Du Plessis' brother, Jannie, also plays for the Durban-based Sharks.