Blitzboks wing Muller du Plessis says he is happy that he made the decision to commit to sevens full time for the next two years. DYLAN JACK reports.

Du Plessis was recently one of the Blitzboks’ outstanding performers during the Vancouver Sevens as he was the one South African named in the tournament’s Dream Team. His highlights included a hat-trick in the final pool game against England, which had the Blitzboks progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

While the 20-year-old was part of the Sharks Currie Cup squad last year, he did not get a game and travelled between the 15-man and sevens format since signing his first professional contract.

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However, with the Sharks’ permission, Du Plessis decided that it would be best for him to divert his entire attention to the shortened format and made his stay with the Blitzboks permanent for the next two years.

Speaking after the team’s arrival back from North America, Du Plessis said that decision has been excellent for his form.

‘I definitely feel that it was a good decision,’ Du Plessis said. ‘Going between the two was really difficult. It is not the same type of rugby. Just being in an environment where I can focus on one thing, it helps a lot. To grow and learn from other players is what I enjoy.

‘Also, body-wise, I can get a rest and not play the full year. Having a proper pre-season before the start of the new season is also a great thing. Because I am not going to the Currie Cup, it helps.’

Du Plessis added that while his immediate focus is on growing and learning as much as he can as a sevens player, he would still be keen to rejoin the Sharks once the two-year period is up.

‘The agreement was that I would stay with the sevens for the next two years or so. But then in the future I would go back and rejoin the Sharks in their set-up.

‘But for now, I think it is best for me to stay and grow for now, to learn and then afterwards to look at fitting in at the Sharks.’

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