Willem Hendrik Jacques "Sheep" du Plessis (born 12 August 1993) is a South African rugby union player. He plays for the in the United Rugby Championship and for the in the Currie Cup. His regular playing positions are flanker or lock.
Career
Youth
After representing the in the 2006 Under-13 Craven Week competition, he moved to Ermelo and subsequently represented the at the 2009 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week and 2011 Under-18 Craven Week tournaments. His performance in the latter tournament led to his selection in the 2011 South African Schools squad.
In 2012, he joined the and made twelve appearances for them in the 2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship competition.
Blue Bulls
Du Plessis made his senior debut for the in 2013, starting in the 110–0 thrashing of the . He also started the game the following week in an equally impressive 89–10 victory against the , a match that saw him score his first try, dotting down shortly after half-time.
In July 2013, the Blue Bulls announced that he signed a contract extension until 31 October 2015.
Bulls
In July 2013, Du Plessis was named on the bench for the ' Super Rugby match against the and came on as a substitute to make his Bulls debut.
Du Plessis was included in the squad for the 2014 Super Rugby seasonto resign and made his Super Rugby start in a 31–16 defeat to the in Durban.
Montpellier
Shortly before the 2015 Super Rugby season, the announced that Du Plessis would leave after the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division to take up a two-year contract with French Top 14 side .
Return to the Bulls
On 12 April 2021, Du Plessis has left Montpellier early to return to South Africa with the Bulls.
Representative rugby
Du Plessis was included the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship.
In May 2014, Du Plessis was one of eight uncapped players that were called up to a Springbok training camp prior to the 2014 mid-year rugby union tests.
Varsity Cup
Du Plessis also played some Varsity Cup rugby, representing the in the 2013 Varsity Cup competition.
Honours
2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup : winner. Currie Cup winner (2021)
References
1993 births
Living people
People from uPhongolo Local Municipality
Afrikaner people
South African rugby union players
South African expatriate sportspeople in France
Expatriate rugby union players in France
Blue Bulls players
Bulls (rugby union) players
Rugby union flankers
South Africa Under-20 international rugby union players
South African male discus throwers
Athletes (track and field) at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics
Youth Olympic gold medalists for South Africa
Youth Olympic gold medalists in athletics (track and field) Montpellier Hérault Rugby players Rugby union players from KwaZulu-Natal South African expatriate rugby union players