Du'Plessis Kirifi

Background

Du'Plessis Kirifi brings a wealth of experience and leadership to New Zealand, 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. 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 are trademarks of his game. A respected leader, Kirifi has captained the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes, and the New Zealand XV. His standout performances during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season earned him a call-up to the New Zealand squad and a debut in the first game of the 2025 season against France.

Honours

• All Blacks XV (2023-2024, 3 caps)
• Captain of Wellington, the Hurricanes and the New Zealand XV

Career

• Wellington Lions (2017–present)
• Hurricanes (2019–present), 90+ Caps
• New Zealand XV (Captain, 2024 tour)
• New Zealand (2025–present), 8 Caps

Strengths

• Breakdown Dominance
• Tackle Count
• Leadership
• Work Rate
• Openside Flanker
• Consistency

Free guides

Guides with Du'Plessis Kirifi

• Rugby Skills: The Core Skills Every Player NeedsCatch-pass, tackling, evasion, breakdown, kicking and the decision-making that ties them together, and how to actually improve each one.
• Flanker Rugby: The 6 and 7 Shirts ExplainedThe 6 and 7 shirts, what a flanker actually does, and how the openside and blindside jobs differ.