| Intro | South African rugby union footballer |
| Is |
Athlete Rugby union player |
| From | South Africa |
| Type | Sports |
| Gender | male |
| Birth | 12 August 1993, Pongola, uPhongolo Local Municipality, Zululand District Municipality, South Africa |
| Age: | 26 years |
| Star sign | Leo |
Willem Hendrik Jacques ‘Sheep’ du Plessis (born 12 August 1993 in Pongola) is a South African rugby union player, currently playing with French Top 14 side Montpellier. His regular position is flanker or lock.
Career
Youth
After representing the Sharks in the 2006 Under-13 Craven Week competition, he moved to Ermelo and subsequently represented the Pumas 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 Blue Bulls and made twelve appearances for them in the 2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship competition.
Blue Bulls
He made his senior debut for the Blue Bulls in 2013, starting in the 110–0 thrashing of the Limpopo Blue Bulls. He also started the game the following week in an equally impressive 89–10 victory against the Griffons, 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, he was named on the bench for the Bulls’ Super Rugby match against the Stormers and came on as a substitute to make his Bulls debut.
He was included in the Bulls squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season and made his Super Rugby start in a 31–16 defeat to the Sharks in Durban.
Montpellier
Shortly before the 2015 Super Rugby season, the Bulls 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 Montpellier.
Representative rugby
He 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
He also played some Varsity Cup rugby, representing the UP Tuks in the 2013 Varsity Cup competition.
Honours
- 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup : winner.