Du’Plessis Kirifi

BIOGRAPHY

All Black #1226

Du’Plessis Kirifi brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the All Blacks, with over 90 Super Rugby caps for the Hurricanes and close to 70 NPC appearances for Wellington. A Francis Douglas Memorial College alumnus, he was First XV teammates with Jordie Barrett before representing Taranaki and Waikato at Under-19 level.

Kirifi made his provincial debut for Wellington in 2017 and joined the Hurricanes in 2019, quickly earning a reputation as one of the competition’s most dynamic openside flankers. His tenacity at the breakdown, high tackle count, and relentless work rate have become trademarks of his game.

A respected leader, Kirifi has captained the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes, and the All Blacks XV, including on their 2024 end-of-year tour. His standout performances during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, marked by his power, energy, and consistency, earned him a call-up to the All Blacks squad and a debut in the first game of the 2025 season against France.