Du’Plessis Kirifi will finally get to represent the All Blacks at the age of 28. The Hurricanes flanker’s journey is one of perseverance and passion, and he’s named after ex-Springboks skipper Morné Du Plessis.
Du’Plessis Kirifi took the scenic route
Du’Plessis Kirifi hasn’t gone the traditional route, but now, finally, he’s going to represent his beloved All Blacks in a three-test series against France. You might look at the Hurricanes flanker’s name and think it is pretty unconventional, too, and that’s because it is.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I want to be an All Black” 🖤💛🌪️ pic.twitter.com/1AigdZBOMJ
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) June 23, 2025
Kirifi is named after former Springboks skipper
Kirifi’s father, Polaiu’amea (Jack) – a long-time flanker for Auckland club Ponsonby – played against Morné du Plessis in a club tournament in France. Amazingly, he named his eldest son after the then-Springbok skipper. In 2020, Morné sent his ‘namesake’ a special message:
“He got wind of [my name] and put together a little video and sent it to me when I was in South Africa last year, so that was pretty special of him to connect that way. I felt very privileged and blessed,” Kirifi told New Zealand’s Stuff website.
“He just said ‘gidday mate, Morné here, I’ve been following your career, and he gave me a few tips and tricks and wished me all the best. He told me to work hard and stay humble.”
Du’Plessis says it’s been surreal
“It’s surreal, bro,” Kirifi said. “Flying into New Plymouth this morning, and driving through my childhood town, and seeing mum and dad here, it’s really cool to be back to where it started, I’m really grateful.
“It’s always humbling, you know. No matter where you go in your career, all of us started somewhere, so to be back here, especially where I played a lot of my childhood rugby, is a pretty cool moment. It’s a nice reminder of where you come from as a player and the people you represent.”
Are you old enough to remember Morné Du Plessis?
