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Spies to join White in France

Cape Town - Springbok and Bulls No 8 Pierre Spies will join a large South African contingent at French club Montpellier, who are coached by former Springbok coach Jake White.

The Blue Bulls Company on Friday announced the departure of several stalwarts, who will part ways with the Bulls at the completion of the 2015 Super Rugby tournament.

READ: Bulls say goodbye to stalwarts

Spies was confirmed as one of the players to depart. His contract with the Bulls runs until the end of October, but he indicated that he would seek an early release to go to Japan if he is not called up by the Springboks, before joining White at Montpellier.

Apart from White, there is already a large South African contingent at Montpellier.

Recent signings include Bees Roux (prop, Oyonnax), Schalk van der Merwe (Lions, prop), Demetri Catrakilis (Stormers, flyhalf), Jacques du Plessis (Bulls, loose forward/lock), Cameron Wright (Sharks, scrumhalf/flyhalf), Wiaan Liebenberg (Bulls, loose forward) and Paul Willemse (Grenoble, lock).

Former Lions prop Jacobie Adriaanse will also join Montpellier for a short stint until after the Rugby World Cup (October 31).

Shaun Sowerby is White's assistant coach, while Pat Cilliers (prop) and Robert Ebersohn (centre) already ply their trade there.

White is reportedly also eager to lure ex-Sharks hooker Craig Burden to Montpellier. The 30-year-old currently plays for Toulon in France.

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