Carel du Plessis, or perhaps better known by his nickname, the Prince of Wings was an exciting talent along the Springbok flank. Learn more with Rugby365.
Carel du Plessis Biography
One of the best wingers South Africa has produced, Carel du Plessis was an exceptional talent along South Africa’s flank and produced riveting performances for Western Province as well.
The Springbok legend is one of four brothers, all to have enjoyed sports since their younger days before heading into professional rugby. This, of course, before rugby became professionalized in 1995.
He recalls not having much else to do recreationally besides engage in sports, which worked out well for the veteran as it led to his becoming a Springbok.
Carel du Plessis was born in Somerset East, Eastern Cape on June 24 1960. He attended Paarl Boys High and Stellenbosch University, education institutions known for producing quality rugby players.
His career at top flight franchises began when he was 20 years old. Western Province snatched him up and he stayed at the club for six years, from 1980 - 1986. This was the period where Western Province dominated the local scene and were challenged by long-rivals the Bulls.
During that period he would secure five Currie Cup wins with Western Province and one Lion Cup trophy.
His tenure there also got him recruited to the Springboks in 1982. The dashing winger played 12 games for South Africa and scored four tries. Carel du Plessis made his debut in the green and gold against the South American Jaguars. The Springboks took the game 50 - 18 in a convincing win at Loftus Versveld.
Despite playing for the Springboks for seven years, South Africa was prevented from playing most international matches thus limiting his test count to 12 games. From that 12 games, he won 10, including a 2 - 1 series win against the New Zealand Cavaliers.
The win, which happened in 1986, coincided with the year he parted ways with Western province for a season at the Golden Lions. He bagged a Lion Cup win during that one season and also made it to the final of the Currie Cup before losing out to the Bulls.
One season was enough to make Carel du Plessis realise Western Province was where he wanted to be.
He moved back, staying two more years to win the Lion Cup twice and share gold with the Bulls in a 16 - 16 draw at Newlands where he scored a try. Carel du Plessis was a pleasure to watch, as you would expect from the Prince of WIngs.