Former Springbok wing and coach Carel du Plessis underwent a brain operation on Tuesday evening in Durbanville.

According to Netwerk24, it is still unknown why he was operated on, but he will remain in hospital with his family at his bedside.

Known as the ‘Prince of Wings’, Du Plessis played 12 Tests for the Springboks between 1982 and 1989, and was part of the Western Province team that won five Currie Cup titles in a row.

Du Plessis succeeded André Markgraaff as Springbok coach in 1997 and was in charge for eight Test matches, of which the Boks won three, before he was replaced by Nick Mallett.

His son Jean-Luc and nephew Daniel are both currently part of the Stormers’ Vodacom Super Rugby squad.

Photo: Luigi Bennett/BackpagePix