Prop star Du Plessis has lofty ambition post rugby
PETRUS du Plessis has ambitions to fly high as a commercial pilot.
First, however, the durable prop is determined to right the wrongs of London Irish’s failed Premiership campaign by committing his future to the Championship club.
Du Plessis has just turned 37, but the former Saracens man reckons he still has plenty more topflight rugby left in him before he calls it a day and heads for the skies.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve just started doing my commercial pilot’s licence and while that’s still in its infancy and I’ve many flying hours to do, it’s something I’ll look at after rugby.
“It’s exciting and a new challenge, but for now the challenge is to get London Irish back into the Premiership. I only turned pro properly when I was 27 and I’ve looked after myself pretty well, so every time I reach a point where I think ‘should I stop?,’ I just carry on.
“It’s difficult to know when you might stop, but I played in every game for Irish last season and the number of games in the Championship will not be as intense, so I should be able to get through that pretty well and then consider another year in the Premiership.”
After achieving so much success at Saracens, with whom he won three Premiership titles and two Champions Cups, du Plessis admits being part of a relegated side left him gutted.
He explained: “We pushed a lot of teams close and there were seven games where we lost by five points or less. Turn just three or four of those into wins and we’d have been fine, but now it’s about building some stability in the squad and being prepared to fight.
“We have good coaches, most of our big players are staying and if we can have a bit more luck with injuries, hopefully we can go back into the Premiership stronger.”
Du Plessis will help to groom Irish’s stable of young props, adding: “I’ll not be taking on a coaching role, I’m a player first and foremost, but I will be helping to mentor some of the younger props with their scrummaging technique and physical skills I find useful.
“Two players who really came through last season are Harry Elrington and Ollie Hoskins and whether they started or came off the bench, they did a magnificent job in the Premiership.
“With Ben Franks moving on they’ll get more chances now, while Lovejoy Chawatama is an exceptional young tight-head who will force his way into the side this year.
“Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi was great at the start of last season before he picked up a serious injury, but he’ll be back and can play a big part in helping us win promotion.
“Guys like myself and Gordon Reid will bring experience and I’m excited by the challenge of getting back to the Premiership. After that, I’ll see about another year.”