Renzo du Plessis

Renzo du Plessis is a South African loose forward on the books of the Lions in Johannesburg. Born on 12 July 2002, the flanker emerged through the franchise’s highly regarded development structures, a system that has produced a steady stream of Springbok and international talent over the years. A typically combative openside, du Plessis is at his most influential around the breakdown, where his speed to the contact area and low body height make him a nuisance for opposition ball. He couples that with a strong defensive game and the engine to keep contributing late into matches. Still in the early stages of his senior career, he represents part of the next generation of forwards coming through at Ellis Park, adding youthful energy and competition to the Lions’ back-row rotation. With continued game time in the United Rugby Championship, he is well placed to develop into a regular fixture in the matchday squad.