ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2019
POSITION:
Flank
CLUB TEAM:
Lions
HOMETOWN:
Tzaneen
DOB:
July 12, 2002
CATEGORY:
Star
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Renzo du Plessis (born 12 July 2002) is a dynamic South African rugby union flanker renowned for his explosive ball-carrying, defensive tenacity, and versatility in the back row. Standing at 1.88m (6 ft 2 in) and weighing 108kg (238 lb), he combines physicality with an uncanny ability to find space on the field, making him a standout loose forward. Hailing from Tzaneen in Limpopo Province, du Plessis has quickly ascended from schoolboy prodigy to a key player for the Lions and Golden Lions, with his sights set on Springbok honors.
Du Plessis grew up in a close-knit Christian family in Tzaneen, crediting his parents—father Renzo and mother Elana —and three siblings for instilling discipline and values that underpin his career. His talent shone early: selected for the Limpopo Under-16 Grant Khomo team, he progressed to the Under-18 Craven Week in his grade 11 year, where his performances earned him a spot in the SA Schools A side in 2019.
After school, du Plessis relocated to Durban where he joined the Sharks junior program, honing his skills in their development structures. In July 2022 he relocated to Johannesburg to join the pride of Jozi where he made his professional debut for the Golden Lions in the 2023 Currie Cup Premier Division, a pivotal moment that launched his senior career. Playing primarily as an openside flanker, he featured regularly, showcasing his carrying prowess and breakdown work.
Du Plessis transitioned seamlessly to senior rugby with the Lions in the Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship (URC). Crowned 2024 Currie Cup Player of the Year, Renzo went on to make his URC debut in the 2024/2025 season, quickly becoming a fixture in the back row with 10 appearances. His form—averaging 3.9 meters per carry and high ruck arrival effectiveness—drew national attention, including a call-up to the Springbok alignment camp in March 2025.
In June 2025, at just 22, du Plessis received his first Springbok squad selection for the Qatar Airways Cup and Incoming Series, a stunning "bolter" inclusion alongside Lions teammates like Quan Horn and Edwill van der Merwe. Released before the July Tests due to squad depth but rejoining later camps, he described the experience as transformative: "It gave me a clear picture of what it takes to succeed at the highest level... I have to sharpen every aspect, from running rugby to defending well." By August 2025, he was pushing for Rugby Championship minutes, with pundits speculating on his potential debut amid injuries to stars like Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Du Plessis grew up in a close-knit Christian family in Tzaneen, crediting his parents—father Renzo and mother Elana —and three siblings for instilling discipline and values that underpin his career. His talent shone early: selected for the Limpopo Under-16 Grant Khomo team, he progressed to the Under-18 Craven Week in his grade 11 year, where his performances earned him a spot in the SA Schools A side in 2019.
After school, du Plessis relocated to Durban where he joined the Sharks junior program, honing his skills in their development structures. In July 2022 he relocated to Johannesburg to join the pride of Jozi where he made his professional debut for the Golden Lions in the 2023 Currie Cup Premier Division, a pivotal moment that launched his senior career. Playing primarily as an openside flanker, he featured regularly, showcasing his carrying prowess and breakdown work.
Du Plessis transitioned seamlessly to senior rugby with the Lions in the Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship (URC). Crowned 2024 Currie Cup Player of the Year, Renzo went on to make his URC debut in the 2024/2025 season, quickly becoming a fixture in the back row with 10 appearances. His form—averaging 3.9 meters per carry and high ruck arrival effectiveness—drew national attention, including a call-up to the Springbok alignment camp in March 2025.
In June 2025, at just 22, du Plessis received his first Springbok squad selection for the Qatar Airways Cup and Incoming Series, a stunning "bolter" inclusion alongside Lions teammates like Quan Horn and Edwill van der Merwe. Released before the July Tests due to squad depth but rejoining later camps, he described the experience as transformative: "It gave me a clear picture of what it takes to succeed at the highest level... I have to sharpen every aspect, from running rugby to defending well." By August 2025, he was pushing for Rugby Championship minutes, with pundits speculating on his potential debut amid injuries to stars like Pieter-Steph du Toit.
