{{Short description|South African rugby union player}} {{distinguish|text=Jean-Pierre 'JP' du Plessis (born 1992), who played as a centre for the {{Rut|Golden Lions}} in 2012 and 2013 and for the {{Rut|Limpopo Blue Bulls}} in 2015.<br/>Also not to be confused with Jean-Pierre du Plessis (born 1989), who played as a centre for {{Rut|UP Tuks}} in 2011 and 2012 and for the {{Rut|Blue Bulls}} in the [[2012 Vodacom Cup]]}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Use South African English|date=June 2013}} {{Infobox rugby biography | name = JP du Plessis | image = JP Du Plessis rugby.jpg | fullname = Phillipus Jacobus Snyman du Plessis | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|04|29|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Kroonstad]], South Africa | height = {{height|m=1.84}} | weight = {{cvt|100|kg|lb stlb}} | nickname = | occupation = | school = [[Paul Roos Gymnasium]], [[Stellenbosch]] | university = | relatives = [[Muller du Plessis]] | position = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]] | currentclub = [[NOLA Gold]] | youthyears1 = 2007–2009 | youthclubs1 = {{Rut|Western Province}} | youthyears2 = 2009–2010 | youthclubs2 = [[Sydney Roosters]] ''(rugby league)'' | years1 = 2011 | clubs1 = {{Rut|Rebels}} | apps1 = 1 | points1 = 0 | years2 = 2012 | clubs2 = {{Rut|Western Province}} | apps2 = 15 | points2 = 15 | years3 = 2012 | clubs3 = {{Rut|Stormers}} | apps3 = 2 | points3 = 0 | years4 = 2013–2014 | clubs4 = {{Rut|Montpellier}} | apps4 = 1 | points4 = 0 | years5 = 2014–2015 | clubs5 = {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} | apps5 = 14 | points5 = 10 | years6 = 2015 | clubs6 = {{Rut|Free State XV}} | apps6 = 4 | points6 = 5 | years7 = 2015–2016 | clubs7 = {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} | apps7 = 15 | points7 = 5 | years8 = 2016 | clubs8 = {{Rut|Southern Kings}} | apps8 = 7 | points8 = 5 | years9 = 2018–2020 | clubs9 = [[San Diego Legion]] | apps9 = 26 | points9 = 45 | years10 = 2021– | clubs10 = [[New Orleans Gold]] | apps10 = 68 | points10 = 70 | repyears1 = 2009 | repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-18 rugby union team|South Africa Schools]] | repcaps1 = | reppoints1 = | clubupdate = 8 July 2025<ref>{{cite web |title=Philippus Jacobus Snyman (JP) DU PLESSIS |url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/philippusjacobussnymanjp-duplessis-25683.html#:~:text=Philippus%20Jacobus%20Snyman%20(JP)%20DU%20PLESSIS%20is%20a%20south%20african,on%2029%2F04%2F1991. |website=Its Rugby |access-date=8 July 2025}}</ref> | repupdate = 20 May 2015 }}
'''Phillipus Jacobus Snyman 'JP' du Plessis''' (born 29 April 1991) is a South African professional [[rugby union]] player who plays centre position for the [[New Orleans Gold]] of [[Major League Rugby]] (MLR) in the U.S.
Du Plessis previously played for the [[San Diego Legion]] in the MLR.<ref name="JP du Plessis Profile">{{cite web | url=http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/Team/Player/tabid/297/playerid/27/language/en-US/Default.aspx | title=JP du Plessis Profile | publisher=Melbourne Rebels | work=Melbourne Rebels | access-date=24 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="SARU Player Profile JP du Plessis">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=42885 | name=JP du Plessis | date=29 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="It's Rugby Player Profile JP du Plessis">{{cite web | url=http://www.itsrugby.co.uk/player_25683.html | title=It's Rugby Player Profile JP du Plessis | work=It's Rugby | access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>
Du Plessis also played [[rugby league]] for the [[Sydney Roosters]] and [[rugby union]] for [[Super Rugby]] sides the [[Melbourne Rebels]] and the {{Rut|Stormers}}, as well as South African [[Currie Cup]] sides {{Rut|Western Province}} and {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} and French [[Top 14]] side {{Rut|Montpellier}}.
==Early years==
Du Plessis grew up playing rugby union in [[South Africa]] starting his career as school pupil at Reitz High School in [[Reitz, Free State|Reitz]]{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} and later moving to [[Paul Roos Gymnasium]] in [[Stellenbosch]]. He was selected to represent {{Rut|Western Province}} at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week tournament in 2007 and represented them at the premier high school rugby union competition in South Africa, the Under-18 [[Craven Week]], in 2009. After that event, he was also named in the 2009 [[South Africa national under-18 rugby union team|South African Schools]] squad. He played off the bench in their 86–3 against [[Italy national under-18 rugby union team|Italy]]<ref name="SA Schools U18 86-3 Italy Schools U18">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=18176 | homeid=7799 | awayid=7801 | leagueid=748 | hometeam=SA Schools U18 | homescore=86 | awayscore=3 | awayteam=Italy Schools U18 | matchdate=4 August 2009 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> and scored South Africa's only try in their 13–45 defeat by [[England national under-18 rugby union team|England]] three days later.<ref name="SA Schools U18 13-45 England Schools U18">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=18177 | homeid=7799 | awayid=7800 | leagueid=748 | hometeam=SA Schools U18 | homescore=13 | awayscore=45 | awayteam=England Schools U18 | matchdate=7 August 2009 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
==Rugby league==
Du Plessis was then one of two South African youngsters that moved to Australia to join [[rugby league]] side the [[Sydney Roosters]], the other being [[Brian Skosana]].<ref name="Roosters sign South African junior rugby star">{{cite web | url=http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/?s=article-display&id=17767 | title=Roosters sign South African junior rugby star | work=Sydney Roosters | date=25 June 2009 | access-date=24 February 2011 | archive-date=29 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229181858/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/?s=article-display&id=17767 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters collide on African poaching mission">{{cite web | date=18 March 2010 | access-date=6 July 2010 | first1=Josh | last1=Massoud | url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/melbourne-storm-sydney-roosters-collide-on-african-poaching-mission/story-e6frexnr-1225842083337 | title=Melbourne Storm, Sydney Roosters collide on African poaching mission | work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Sydney | last2=Phelps | first2=James}}</ref> He never played for the first team, but did represent their Under-20 side in the [[2010 NRL Under-20s season|2010 Toyota Cup]].
==Rugby union==
===Melbourne Rebels===
In 2010, Du Plessis reverted to rugby union, signing with the {{Rut|Rebels}} [[Super Rugby]] side for their inaugural season in Super Rugby in [[2011 Super Rugby season|2011]].<ref name="Du Plessis signs with Rebels">{{cite web | url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/du-plessis-signs-with-rebels-20100706-zyqz.html | title=Du Plessis signs with Rebels | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=6 July 2010 | access-date=1 October 2010}}</ref><ref name="Rebels Sign Junior South African">{{cite web | url=http://www.sarugby.com/2010/08/13/rebels-sign-junior-south-african/ | title=Rebels Sign Junior South African | work=SA Rugby | date=13 August 2010 | access-date=14 October 2010 | last=Katz | first=Doron | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818030116/http://www.sarugby.com/2010/08/13/rebels-sign-junior-south-african/ | archive-date=18 August 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref> He made a single Super Rugby appearance for the Rebels, coming on as a late replacement in their match against the {{Rut|Hurricanes}}.<ref name="Melbourne Rebels 42-25 Hurricanes">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=19652 | homeid=8394 | awayid=8398 | leagueid=795 | hometeam=Melbourne Rebels | homescore=42 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=Hurricanes | matchdate=25 March 2011 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
===Western Province / Stormers===
Du Plessis returned to [[South Africa]] in 2011 to sign for the [[Cape Town]]-based {{Rut|Western Province}}. He made seven appearances for the {{Rut|Western Province U21}} side during the [[2011 Under-21 Provincial Championship]], scoring five tries which included four in their 38–42 loss to the {{Rut|Golden Lions U21}}s in [[Johannesburg]].<ref name="Lions 42-38 Western Province">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=20367 | homeid=8555 | awayid=8572 | leagueid=811 | hometeam=Lions | homescore=42 | awayscore=38 | awayteam=Western Province | matchdate=8 October 2011 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
Du Plessis was included in the {{Rut|Stormers}}' [[2012 Super Rugby season|2012 Super Rugby]] squad. He made two appearances for them off the bench, a 23–13 victory over the {{Rut|Reds}} in [[Brisbane]]<ref name="Reds 13-23 DHL Stormers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=100571 | homeid=10251 | awayid=10261 | leagueid=1041 | hometeam=Reds | homescore=13 | awayscore=23 | awayteam=DHL Stormers | matchdate=20 April 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> and a 17–3 victory over the {{Rut|Force}} in [[Perth]] a week later.<ref name="Force 3-17 DHL Stormers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=100721 | homeid=10191 | awayid=10261 | leagueid=1041 | hometeam=Force | homescore=3 | awayscore=17 | awayteam=DHL Stormers | matchdate=28 April 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> He also made seven appearances for Western Province in the [[2012 Vodacom Cup]] and scored a try against the {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}}.<ref name="DHL Western Province 30-25 Eastern Province Kings">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=103791 | homeid=11421 | awayid=11501 | leagueid=1211 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=30 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=Eastern Province Kings | matchdate=24 March 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
Still eligible for play at Under-21 level, he played for the {{Rut|Western Province U21}} side during the [[2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship]] and scored one try in their match against the {{Rut|Leopards U21}}.<ref name="Platinum Leopards 20-31 DHL Western Province">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106381 | homeid=12141 | awayid=12101 | leagueid=1261 | hometeam=Platinum Leopards | homescore=20 | awayscore=31 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=4 August 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> He was then called up to their [[Currie Cup]] side and made nine appearances for them during the [[2012 Currie Cup Premier Division]]. He scored tries in their matches against {{Rut|Griquas}}<ref name="GWK Griquas 20-25 DHL Western Province">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104221 | homeid=11561 | awayid=11531 | leagueid=1221 | hometeam=GWK Griquas | homescore=20 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=18 August 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> and the {{Rut|Blue Bulls}} to help them finish in third spot on the log to qualify for the semi-finals. However, he didn't feature in the semi-final or the final (which Western Province won by beating the {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)}} 25–18)<ref name="The Sharks 18-25 DHL Western Province">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104501 | homeid=11541 | awayid=11531 | leagueid=1221 | hometeam=The Sharks | homescore=18 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=27 October 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> instead reverting to the Under-21 side; he played in both their 19–18 semi-final victory over the {{Rut|Sharks U21}}<ref name="Sharks 18-19 DHL Western Province">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106711 | homeid=12151 | awayid=12101 | leagueid=1261 | hometeam=Sharks | homescore=18 | awayscore=19 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=20 October 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> and their 13–22 defeat by the {{Rut|Blue Bulls U21}} in the final.<ref name="DHL Western Province 13-22 Blue Bulls">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106721 | homeid=12101 | awayid=12121 | leagueid=1261 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=13 | awayscore=22 | awayteam=Blue Bulls | matchdate=27 October 2012 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
===Montpellier===
[[File:Wandile Mjekevu et JP DuPlessis.JPG|thumb|Du Plessis with Wandile Mjekevu]]
He didn't feature for the Stormers in the [[2013 Super Rugby season]] and opted to move to [[France]] to join [[Top 14]] side {{Rut|Montpellier}} prior to the [[2013–14 Top 14 season]].<ref name="Les recrues 2013/2014 dévoilées!">{{cite web | url=http://www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/les-recrues-20132014-devoilees | title=Les recrues 2013/2014 dévoilées! | work=Montpellier | date=29 May 2013 | access-date=29 May 2013 | language=fr | archive-date=3 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003233803/http://www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/les-recrues-20132014-devoilees | url-status=dead }}</ref> However, he failed to break into the first team at Montpellier due to suffering a knee injury and featured in just one match for them, coming on as a late replacement in a 25–18 victory over {{Rut|Grenoble}}.<ref name="02/11/13 – Montpellier – Grenoble">{{cite web | url=http://www.lnr.fr/rugby-top-14/matchs/02-11-13-montpellier-grenoble#fndtn-panel-live-compo-equipe | title=02/11/13 – Montpellier – Grenoble | work=Ligue Nationale de Rugby | date=2 November 2013 | access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref>
===Free State Cheetahs===
He returned from France after just one season to join the {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} prior to the [[2014 Currie Cup Premier Division]].<ref name="Cheetahs sign Du Plessis">{{cite web | url=http://www.supersport.com/rugby/super-rugby/news/140709/Cheetahs_sign_Du_Plessis | title=Cheetahs sign Du Plessis | publisher=SuperSport | date=9 July 2014 | access-date=9 July 2014}}</ref> He made five starts and five appearances off the bench for the [[Bloemfontein]]-based side, scoring a try in their match against the {{Rut|Pumas}}<ref name="Toyota Free State Cheetahs 17-31 Steval Pumas">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=119804 | homeid=18144 | awayid=18134 | leagueid=1784 | hometeam=Toyota Free State Cheetahs | homescore=17 | awayscore=31 | awayteam=Steval Pumas | matchdate=6 September 2014 | date=22 July 2016}}</ref> as the Free State Cheetahs finished in fifth spot to miss out on the play-offs.
He wasn't named in the {{Rut|Cheetahs}} [[Super Rugby]] squad for the [[2015 Super Rugby season]],<ref name="2015 Toyota Cheetah Group">{{cite web | url=http://www.fscheetahs.co.za/News.aspx?newsid=2784 | title=2015 Toyota Cheetah Group | publisher=Cheetahs | date=3 February 2015 | access-date=3 February 2015}}</ref> instead playing in four matches for the {{Rut|Free State XV}} side that played in the [[2015 Vodacom Cup]] competition.
===Eastern Province Kings===
Du Plessis was named in the {{Rut|Griquas}} squad for the [[2015 Currie Cup qualification]] tournament,<ref name="SA Rugby Squad – ORC Griquas : 2015 Absa Currie Cup Qualifying">{{SA Rugby Squad | teamid=24764 | team=ORC Griquas | compid=2324 | comp=2015 Absa Currie Cup Qualifying | accessdate=3 June 2016}}</ref> but didn't feature for them at all, instead joining [[Port Elizabeth]]-based side {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} prior to the [[2015 Currie Cup Premier Division]] season.<ref name="EP sign two new players – and bid farewell to Van der Linde">{{cite web | url=http://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-herald-south-africa/20150623/282183649693515/TextView | title=EP sign two new players – and bid farewell to Van der Linde | work=The Herald | date=23 June 2015 | access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Du Plessis, Jp}} [[Category:1991 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Afrikaner people]] [[Category:Eastern Province Elephants players]] [[Category:Expatriate rugby league players in Australia]] [[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in Australia]] [[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in France]] [[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in the United States]] [[Category:Cheetahs (rugby union) players]] [[Category:Melbourne Rebels players]] [[Category:Montpellier Hérault Rugby players]] [[Category:Rugby union players from Kroonstad]] [[Category:Rugby union centres]] [[Category:Rugby league centres]] [[Category:San Diego Legion players]] [[Category:South African expatriate rugby league players]] [[Category:Southern Kings players]] [[Category:21st-century South African sportsmen]] [[Category:Stormers players]] [[Category:New Orleans Gold players]] [[Category:Alumni of Paul Roos Gymnasium]] [[Category:South African rugby union players]]