Michael du Plessis Biography

Michael du Plessis was a talented Springbok that enjoyed the game for its own sake, travelling and slotting in at different local franchises all for the love of the game.

Born on 4 November 1958, in Somerset West, the centre grew up one of the middle brothers in a very active home. Four brothers allowed for lots of tussling and tackling, an activity three of them would go on to be known for later.

Michael du Plessis, along with brothers Carel and Willie, all went on the pursuit of planting that leather ball down between the sticks. Each of them played for Western Province during their day. Willie, the older of the three, started before them in 1977, while Carel and Michael joined in a few years later.

All three of them played at centre, so the competition for a slot on the team was carried from home to club. Michael started his Western Province career in 1982, and with the help of his brother Carel, would go on to enjoy what many fans refer to as the “golden years”

He secured the Currie Cup trophy with the coastal province for five years consecutively. A golden era indeed.

In 1987 Michael du Plessis decided to look for different challenges and left to play for the Lions in Johannesburg. He spent one season at the club, reaching the finals of the Currie Cup but losing out 24 - 18 to the Bulls. He decided the Lions were not for him and headed back home to stay two more seasons at Western Province.

Both seasons saw him reaching the final, one losing to the Bulls in a nail biting fixture 19 - 18, while the following season they shared the gold 16 a piece.

By 1990 he again sought out new accomodation and found it in the Eastern Cape with the Elephants. He stayed there until 1992, but could not replicate the Currie Cup magic he had the years before.

Michael du Plessis played eight games for the Springboks between 1984 and 1989 and only lost one of those. The loss was against the New Zealand Cavaliers and the final score was 19 - 18.

The Springbok centre was an adventurous chap and spirited player. The competition between brothers certainly helped hone the skills that make him one of the best Western Province has ever had the pleasure of hosting.