Tragedy as rugby star Jannie du Plessis’ 10-month-old son drowns in family pool

Rugby has been rocked by the devastating news a World Cup winning superstar’s one-year-old son has drowned in the family pool.

The 10-month-old son of a World Cup-winning rugby star has drowned in their family swimming pool in South Africa.

The Sun reports tragedy struck as Jannie du Plessis, who won 70 caps for the Springboks during a decorated career, celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday.

Ex-South Africa international Rudolf Straeuli — who now serves as chief executive of du Plessis’ current club, the Lions — confirmed the sad news. He told Sport24: “We, as a Lions family, aren’t doing well.

“I can confirm that this tragedy took place. We are all devastated.”

He later added: “As I’m sure everyone can understand, Jannie and his family now need to be left alone to process this tragedy.

“We offer our full support to him and kindly request everyone to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.”

Former rugby star Toks van der Linde paid tribute by posting a photo on social media of du Plessis holding his late son, alongside wife Ronel.

It was captioned: “Please pray for Jannie du Plessis and his family.

“His son of one year old drowned last night, my heart is broken broken broken. So so sad.”

Please pray for jannie du Plessis and his family his son of 1 year old drown last night my hart is broken broken broken @SuperSportTV@kykNETtv#So so sad pic.twitter.com/pFwA2cSs2R

— Toks van der Linde (@toksvdl) November 17, 2021

Ex-Springbok Breyton Paulse tweeted: “What a sad day, sending strength to the du Plessis family. Such tragic news.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend’s Test match against England, South African forward Duane Vermeulen said the players were all thinking of their former teammate and his family.

“They will be on our minds and all our condolences to Jannie and his family back home,” Vermeulen said. “It is a difficult time for them, but we will stand behind them and support them.”

Another of du Plessis’ former clubs, the Sharks, also publicly mourned the family’s loss.

A spokesperson said: “The Sharks extend our deepest condolences to Jannie, Ronel and the entire du Plessis family on the tragic loss of his young son.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

In a statement, local police captain Raymond Sebonyane said “police were called to a scene of drowning whereby a 10-month-old baby boy fell in the swimming pool”.

“The police appeal to parents or guardians of younger children to be more careful where children are playing closer to any hazard,” he added.

“Those with swimming pools should fence them off or cover them with safety nets if not being used.”

Jannie du Plessis has been rocked by a horrific tragedy. (Photo by Andrew Aylett/Corbis via Getty Images)

Du Plessis and wife Ronel have two other children, daughters Rosalie and Hele.

He was part of South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup winning squad alongside younger brother Bismarck.

This story first appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission