Morning media reports seem to confirm that the Sharks have pulled off a coup in the schoolboy transfer market. Paarl Boys High flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis will, according to an article in the Cape Argus, join the Sharks next year.
The blonde 18-year-old du Plessis is the son of former Springbok winger (and briefly coach) Carel du Plessis and is highly rated in schoolboy circles in the Western Cape and beyond. He was selected for the WP Craven Week team this year, but predictably was forced to play second fiddle to Handre Pollard, who it was recently confirmed is also leaving WP to take up employment in Pretoria.
Du Plessis is apparently also a great young cricketer and it appears as though his decision to pursue a career in professional rugby after school will be the eleven-man game’s loss.
The Sharks are hoping to snap up the services of another former Bok’s son once he matriculates in 2013 and I can’t help but have a pre-emptive chuckle at the mirth that will ensure as our beloved commentators try to work their way around the fact that, in years to come, a Sharks team could well take the field including both a Jean-Luc du Preez and a Jean-Luc du Plessis!
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Very interesting signing. Here’s to hoping he will reach the same level as his dad. We can use some fly-half depth (basically our only real worry at the moment).
Good choice for the guy to come to the sharks academy even if he ends up not playing for us he will learn a lot about his game and where he stands compared to other players we have the toughest club league
I have seen him play a couple of games he is really a very speedy young man…and on defence he also competes far above his weight…he is a exceptional cricket player…very surprised at the sudden rugby career. Any word on the Sa Schools team? Played england in Bellville today…Kriel OfTHEBLUEBULLS!!! Is starting!
South Africa 36 (20). Tries: Handrè Pollard, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Sergeal Petersen. Conversions: Pollard (3). Penalties: Pollard (5).
England 29 (10). Tries: Josh Watkins, Joel Conlon, Maro Itoje, Tom Stephenson, Zach Kibirige. Conversions: Sam Olver (2).
What’s the boys statistics (weight & height)?
Isn’t this mad hoovering up of schoolboy rugby players getting a little stupid and over the top?
@MikeSebMatt (Comment 6) : Couldn’t agree more ❗
@MikeSebMatt (Comment 6) : I agree and in the case of the Sharks it’s effectively just a Varsity bursary for the guy while still getting to play rugby.
I’d be interested to see if it is an Academy bursary or a Junior Sharks contract that is bringing him to Durban.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 8) :
Most likely a Junior Shark contract..
I like this signing..
It shows that the Sharks are not just lying down and waiting for the Academy to produce stars, but looking for signings..