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Rising Hurricanes star Du'Plessis Kirifi eyes All Blacks as he puts pen to paper in new long-term deal

(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes have announced the contract extension of emerging talent, Du’Plessis Kirifi, until 2023.

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The 23-year-old flanker has nearly been with the club for two full seasons after making his debut against the Waratahs in February 2019. Since then, he has gone on to play 27 matches in the Hurricanes jersey – scoring two tries.

Named after former Springbok captain, Morne Du’Plessis, who is a friend of his father, Kirifi was earmarked to be a rugby player from birth.

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Ash Dixon speaks to media

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Ash Dixon speaks to media

He says deciding to re-commit to the Hurricanes was an easy decision.

“I feel extremely blessed to be able to call Wellington home and run out in Hurricanes colours each year. It’s a proud city, rich in culture, extremely diverse and I feel like we as a team and organisation represent this well.”

Head coach, Jason Holland, says Kirifi has developed a lot in the last two years with the team.

“Du’Plessis has burst onto the scene in the last two years and put his name on the No. 7 jersey at the moment. He’s extremely hard to move when he gets on the ball and has grown his abilities in attack with his handling and ball carry skills.”

Holland says he’s excited to see Kirifi grow further as a player and person.

As for the man himself, he has a level-headed but ambitious approach to the future.

“Always conscious to never look too far into the future but I have goals and dreams like every other kiwi kid playing rugby that I want to achieve.

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“The black jersey is something everyone’s working towards, but for me I’m keen to nail my role here in the Hurricanes and help this club win championships. That is why I play, that is why we all play.”

– Hurricanes Rugby

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R
RedWarrior 59 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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TRENDING Everyone is saying the same thing after agonising England loss Everyone is saying the same thing after agonising England loss
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