Du Plessis wants to 'emulate' Brits

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis is hoping he can add some real value to the Lions' Super Rugby campaign in 2020.

At the age of 37, Du Plessis returned to South Africa to join the Johannesburg-based team from French side Montpellier.

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Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Du Plessis said he would like to emulate Schalk Brits who was famously lured out of retirement by SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus in 2018.

Brits eventually played for the Bulls in Super Rugby in 2019 before being part of Erasmus' World Cup-winning squad in Japan.

However, Du Plessis is not thinking about the Boks.

"Schalk looked after himself," said Du Plessis. "He was always in good shape and he is an incredible athlete so when he came back I actually never doubted his ability and I think he proved it when he really played well throughout the year.

"It's definitely something that I would want to try and emulate.

"Everyone has a dream to be a Bok, but that's not what I mean. I think Schalk was a real asset to every team that he played in. He really brought a lot of value - he worked hard and he played well so that is what I would love to do for this team.

"I want to work for them and win their respect by my actions on the field."

Du Plessis added he is ready to prove that he can still be an asset on the field.

"I never expected to be here. I think it is a little bit of a miracle that I have another opportunity," he said.

"It's nice to train in the sunshine in South Africa. It's nice, but it is also daunting to have the challenge of Super Rugby lying ahead.

“I’m really grateful to the Lions for giving me this opportunity and I promise I will do whatever is necessary to repay that faith that they have in me."

Main picture: @LionsRugbyCo

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