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Why Du’Plessis Kirifi had ‘sleepless nights’ before signing new contract
By Finn Morton
Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi had “a couple of sleepless nights” weighing up offers to head overseas – including a particularly “juicy” deal from an unnamed club – before re-signing with New Zealand Rugby through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Krifi captained the All Blacks XV during an unbeaten two-game tour in Europe last year, before the backrower was called into the top squad as injury cover. While All Blacks coach Scott Robertson didn’t select Kirifi for a debut, some believe that opportunity isn’t too far away.
After another strong season with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific, having led the team as one of their four co-captains, Kirifi continues to make it more difficult for ‘Razor’ Robertson to ignore the flanker’s potential at Test level.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has started Kirifi in 11 of 13 appearances this season, including an impressive performance opposite Wallaby Fraser McReight last week in Brisbane. Kirifi is also set to start at openside against Ardie Savea’s Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
As a menace around the breakdown, who is also prolific on both sides of the ball in general play, Kirifi seems to be in the frame for national selection. However, Kirifi would’ve been ineligible for higher honours if the 28-year-old had decided to head offshore.
“There was a big opportunity to go over to Japan and that’s started the domino effect of events that happened after that,” Kirifi told RugbyPass in Brisbane.
“There’s a little bit of pressure there to go overseas and finish up my time here in New Zealand. It was a pretty juicy offer, I just wasn’t sure if it was the right time for me personally and I wasn’t sure if I went, if there would be a lot of ‘what ifs’ and unanswered questions.
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“My partner and I and family decided we’re going to stay and give it my all, and at the end of the day what will be, will be. If I’m not in the picture then at least I know I gave it my all and I can move off without any unanswered questions.
“There was a couple of offers sitting there from overseas clubs which is really flattering, but also, equally as flattering was New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby really keen to keep me here as well.
“Wellington’s home for me, I’ve built a life there, and I enjoy and love playing for both Wellington and the Hurricanes.
“It was a good problem to have, bro. A couple of sleepless nights but at the end of the day I was blessed to be in a position where it was up to me what I wanted to do with my future. Awesome problem to have, didn’t make it any easier but really happy with where we landed.”
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Kirifi’s decision to re-sign with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby was revealed on March 27, which was music to the ears of All Blacks supporters who want to see the flanker get an opportunity at the next level.
Only a few days later, Kirifi joined The Breakdown to talk through the decision, saying there had been “really awesome conversions with the All Blacks management” about the future. Of course, that update was always going to capture headlines.
After leading the Wellington Lions to their second NPC title in three years, and then continuing to stand out in a star-studded Hurricanes side, Kirifi was the most talked about rugby player in New Zealand for quite some time.
While Ardie Savea’s success at Moana Pasifika has since become the talk of the town, some would still love to see Kirifi join the likes of Savea and Wallace Sititi in an All Blacks backrow. But until the team is named, that’s all just talk and outside noise.
“It’s hard not to hear it because there’s a lot of it at the moment but I feel like I’m mature enough and been around it long enough to not let it affect me and not let it affect my game,” Kirifi said.
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“Media people’s opinions don’t really matter, it’s until you see your name on the sheet is the real one.
“It hasn’t had a real effect on me. What I am doing and what I am really enjoying is actually just playing a lot of footy.
“Last year, I was in and out of the starting team and I found that challenging at times, and so I decided I was going to go away and do something about it and I guess we see the results of that this season.
“Really enjoying playing some consistent rugby, leading these boys along with the other three.
“The challenge is always there to be better every week and compete against a handful of other loose forwards in New Zealand for an All Blacks spot. But I know if I play well and do my job, making the All Blacks is a byproduct almost, it’s something on the other side of doing my job right now for the group.
“I’m really enjoying playing our rugby and the group’s building some nice momentum over the last few weeks.”
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Can’t wait to see him in the black jersey this year.
I believe Kirifi has great value as an impact sub coming off the bench especially in a 6-2 bench, along with Peter Lakai.
I would not be playing Savea for 80 minutes of every test until 2027 RWC. He is 32 and if the goal is to get him to 2027 at his current world class level at age 34, then Savea’s playing time should be managed carefully over the next 3 seasons.
Kififi is a good substitute for when Savea comes off the last 20 minutes or so.
Looks like a well thought out decision by DK
I really like him but fear Razor and co won’t see where he fits?
He’s improved his game at the contact area and does carry well
Perhaps a tad on the small side in this game where we are obsessed with behemoths
But Kwagga Smith as a comparison has proved his worth and is phenomenal
If the ABs choose Sititi and Ardie (no brainer) then we are a a little short if DK gets picked
Anyway I’m a fan and his thighs are massive!
Perhaps a bench spot would be a great start
Good decision. If he left now he'd never have known whether he could have become a regular All Black. In two years time he'll know, and even if he doesn't make it he'll still play a key role for the Canes and be young enough to make top money overseas.
Kirifi, or Love or both, JDK? hehehe🤣
Sooooo want to see him in black.