Star centre extends Stormers stay

25/04/2024 11:57

Dan du Plessis has re-committed his future to the DHL Stormers after the versatile midfielder after put pen to paper on a contract extension.

The 29-year-old has 64 Stormers caps and has never played for another team, having come through the ranks as an age-group star who represented DHL Western Province at U16 and U18 level before moving into the senior squad.

A hard-running centre with natural attacking instincts and a solid defensive game, Du Plessis has been a vital cog for the Stormers on both sides of the ball in recent seasons, and will remain with the Capetonians until 2026.

Du Plessis, who can play 12 and 13, comes from a family with a rich rugby heritage in the region, with his father Michael and uncles Carel and Willie all starring for the legendary WP team of the 1980s while his cousin Jean-Luc also has 50 Stormers caps to his name. This extension will see the Paul Roos old boy continue the Du Plessis legacy in the blue and white colours.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that he expects Du Plessis to keep growing in the current setup.

"Dan's early career was blighted by some frustrating injuries, but we have seen his class shine through in recent seasons and we fully expect him to continue that upward trajectory.

"He is a natural ball-player who fits our game model perfectly and is exactly the type of player we are looking to produce and retain in our system," he said.

"This extension gives Dan the opportunity to fulfill the potential that many have seen in him since his schoolboy days.”

Du Plessis said that he is excited about where the team is going, which made it an easy decision to extend.

"I have been playing for the Stormers since 2016, this team means a lot to me and I am positive that there are even better times ahead of us," he said.

"There is so much potential in this group under these coaches and I'm very happy to be a part of it going forward.

For more, see thestormers.com

You’ll be seeing more from Dan du Plessis in our colours. Extended until 2026.#iamastormer#dhldeliverspic.twitter.com/uDB2QQuMyw

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) April 25, 2024

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

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