Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby, Jake White, on Thursday announced that Springbok hooker, Bismarck du Plessis, will captain the Cell C Sharks in 2014.

Regarded as one of the best hookers in the world, Bismarck has been colossal figure for the Cell C Sharks over the years. With 103 Vodacom Super Rugby appearances to his name, he is a player who leads by example and is well respected by the team.

Official Media Release

Commenting on his appointment Jake White said: “Bismarck brings a winning culture to the Cell C Sharks. He has an enormous presence in rugby and to me he is the best hooker in the world.

“I respect his commitment and dedication to the union and I hope that the captaincy role will upskill him in areas that he is weak in which will enable him to be that phenomenal player consistently.”

“By the age of 22 Bismarck had already been part of three successful World Cup campaigns for South Africa and not too many players can boast that kind of achievement in their rugby careers,” added White.

Bismarck will be ably supported by Pat Lambie, Jean Deysel and Odwa Ndungane, all of whom assume the role of vice-captains. The thinking is if one of the players is off the field another can replace him. Chances are one of these vice captains will be called upon to captain the side for certain periods of the game.

Jake White concluded by saying: “Keegan Daniel, the 2013 captain, will probably be a bit disappointed, that’s natural, he’s been a good captain, but I think everyone understands. The thinking is for me to have a stamp of what I think is important for us as a group, and the dynamics in the group are changing, there are some new guys who have joined the squad. It’s not about individuals but what we do as a group.”

The Sharks wish Bismarck du Plessis and his vice captains all the best ahead of the start of Vodacom Super Rugby 2014.