A young and avid rugby player from Worcester is looking to make waves as he is set to run out for the Toyota Cheetahs’ junior team next month.
Wayde du Plessis (19), who plays flank for Villagers Worcester, is putting the small community on the map with his exceptional rugby skills.
The young man hails from a sporty family and hopes to carry the legacy of both his parents who have passed on.
“I know that it was my father’s wish for me to play rugby and I have been working very hard to make it a reality,” says Du Plessis.
His mother, who was also an athlete, wanted a career for him in athletics.
“I chose rugby because it feels like home.”
His introduction to the sport dates back to his younger years, when he and a couple of friends always gathered for a game of touch rugby. That is where he developed skills and worked tirelessly on his craft.
The opportunity to join the Cheetahs, which warrants him a foot in the door to the professional league comes after just a few months with Villagers Worcester.
Henly du Plessis, coach of the Toyota Cheetah and Connel du Plessis, head coach of Villagers Worcester, are siblings.
The young rugby player explains that the Cheetahs coach once attended their rugby practice here in Worcester and that is where he spotted him.
“I am really excited for the opportunity. I am going to live my dream.”
Du Plessis further shared that he plans to make the best of the opportunity.
The Worcesterian, who is no stranger to the rugby field, has also played Grant Khomo in Durban and is currently in the u-20 Boland team.
Quizzed on what keeps him motivated, he says: “I always think about my late parents and what they would have wanted for me. I really want to make them proud though they are not physically here.”
With life and all it’s obstacles and especially playing rugby Du Plessis says he has no doubt that when he wants to give up he hears his parents whispering in his ear: “just carry on.”
“That keeps me going.”
His plans for the future include him signing a four year contract with the Cheetahs, playing in the senior team and just making it to the starting line-up.
“The main goal is to run out in the green and gold.”
