Star centre signs on the dotted line for Stormers

NEWS: Midfielder Dan du Plessis has signed a contract extension that will keep him in Stormers colours until at least 2026.

The 29-year-old has 64 Stormers caps and has never played for another team, having come through the ranks as an age-group star who represented Western Province at U16 and U18 level before moving into the senior squad.

A hard-running centre with natural attacking instincts and a solid defensive game, Du Plessis has been a vital cog for the Stormers on both sides of the ball in recent seasons.

Du Plessis comes from a family with a rich rugby heritage in the region, with his father Michael and uncles Carel and Willie all starring for the legendary Western Province team of the 1980s while his cousin Jean-Luc also has 50 Stormers caps to his name.

This extension will see the Paul Roos old boy continue the Du Plessis legacy in the blue and white colours.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said that he expects Du Plessis to keep growing in the current set-up.

"Dan's early career was blighted by some frustrating injuries, but we have seen his class shine through in recent seasons and we fully expect him to continue that upward trajectory.

"He is a natural ball-player who fits our game model perfectly and is exactly the type of player we are looking to produce and retain in our system.

"This extension gives Dan the opportunity to fulfill the potential that many have seen in him since his schoolboy days," he said.

Du Plessis said that he is excited about where the team is going, which made it an easy decision to extend.

"I have been playing for the Stormers since 2016, this team means a lot to me and I am positive that there are even better times ahead of us.

"There is so much potential in this group under these coaches and I'm very happy to be a part of it going forward," he said.