Du’Plessis Kirifi

BIOGRAPHY

With over 90 Super Rugby caps and nearly 70 NPC appearances to his name, Du’Plessis Kirifi comes to the squad with vast experience and leadership qualities. He attended Francis Douglas Memorial College with fellow Hurricane and First XV teammate, Jordie Barrett. Following school, Kirifi went on to play for the Taranaki and Waikato Under-19 sides, before debuting for Wellington in the 2017 NPC then breaking into the Hurricanes in 2019.  Kirifi has captained the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes and the All Blacks XV during the 2024 end of year tour.

Kirifi excels in the breakdown, regularly winning turnovers and making a high tackle count. His work rate, imposing strength and relentless energy throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season has caught the attention of All Blacks selectors.