A real Tuks character
Described by Wynand Claassen of TuksSport Alumni as 'one of the real characters at Tukkies for many years'; and it was, indeed, a pleasure to interview former Springbok scrumhalf Tommy du Plessis.
Tommy played for Tukkies from 1972 to 1980 and went through the ranks - Under-20, Fezelas and, finally, the first team from 1975 to '80.
He became a Blue Bull in 1975 and represented the team in 126 games - including an incredible eight Currie Cup Finals. He became a Springbok in 1980, with his Tukkies flyhalf - one Naas Botha - also making his debut, and played two Tests against South America.
Tommy thinks the Varsity Cup is "awesome", saying that "the competition has brought back the public interest in student rugby". He recalls the days when a Tukkies/Maties match filled Loftus. He feels that the Varsity Cup rugby is of a higher standard than Vodacom Cup rugby and is also more popular.
Said Tommy to varsitycup.co.za: "The students are getting immense coverage on TV on Monday nights and the real talented players will be scooped up by provinces soon."
He mentions Juan de Jongh of the Maties and Boom Prinsloo of Shimlas as early successes from the Varsity Cup.
Tommy says that all the tournament's sponsors must get a very special "Thank you" for their involvement in student rugby through the Varsity Cup.
He describes his personal highlights as wearing the coveted Green and Gold and those 126 Blue Bull games. The social highlight for him were those years spent playing for his Alma Mater who are pushing hard for a semifinal place this Varsity Cup season!
Tommy is in telecommunications in Pretoria and invites former teammates to get in contact with him to arrange a get together at the next Tukkies Varsity Cup home game. He can be contacted on 082 550 6545.
By Piet de Jager
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