Piet Du Plessis: Springboks Legend Dies at 79 After Battle With Alzheimer’s and Dementia

• Piet du Plessis, a stalwart of Western Province and Northern Transvaal rugby, passed away after a prolonged illness
• The former South African rugby player was 79 years old and had been battling Alzheimer's and Dementia
• The renowned rugby legend earned his sole Springbok cap during England's 1972 tour of South Africa

Piet du Plessis, a celebrated figure in South African provincial rugby who represented the Springboks at international level, has died at the age of 79 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Du Plessis was a stalwart for both Western Province and Northern Transvaal during his playing career, earning widespread respect within the South African rugby community for his contributions to the game at provincial level.

The South African rugby community recently lost former player Russell Nelson, who died a few days before celebrating his birthday, and also a young player who died during training.

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Piet du Plessis's Springbok career

His only appearance in a Springbok jersey came during the solitary Test match played against the England touring side in 1972, a match South Africa went on to lose. Despite earning just the one cap, Du Plessis remained a respected figure in the country's rugby history.

Tributes paid to du Plessis

Tributes have been extended to his family and loved ones following the announcement of his passing. Condolences from the rugby community were accompanied by acknowledgement of his significant contribution to South African rugby at provincial level over the course of his career.

Du Plessis had been in declining health for some time before his death, with Alzheimer's and dementia having taken a considerable toll in his final years. He was 79 years old at the time of his passing.

Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest

Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.

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The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News