The day begins early in the du Plessis household with a cherished ritual—a freshly brewed cup of coffee. JP shares that making the perfect cup of coffee involves precise steps: adding just the right amount of milk to achieve that ideal morning blend. This small yet significant routine sets a positive tone for his day.

However, coffee isn’t the only beverage on the morning menu. With children in the house, JP is soon tasked with making hot chocolate, a gesture that speaks volumes about his commitment to family life. His attempt at latte art may not always be perfect, but it’s a heartfelt effort that his children certainly appreciate.

JP’s rugby career has seen him play for various teams, but it was the call from Ryan Fitzgerald that brought him to NOLA GOLD. Having spent three years with San Diego from 2018 to 2020, JP was looking for a new opportunity when Fitzgerald reached out. What stood out for JP was not just the opportunity to play for NOLA GOLD, a team he admired for their style of rugby, but also the welcoming embrace of the New Orleans community. Notably, the welcome was tangible—the first day his family arrived, a king cake awaited them at their doorstep, a gesture that made them feel instantly at home. For JP, happiness at home translates to happiness on the field, a sentiment that underscores the importance of family in his life.

JP’s day continues with a trip to the gym, where he juggles coaching responsibilities alongside his own training. His focus at the moment is on building defensive structures for school teams, a task that reveals his passion for youth rugby development. He emphasizes skills development and physical growth, advocating for the use of resistance bands and other training tools to enhance performance.

When it comes to his own training, JP prefers functional workouts over heavy weightlifting. Using a blend of weights and resistance bands, his regimen focuses on building functional strength, agility, and speed. Special rugby-themed attire, including NOLA GOLD shirts and South African socks, adds a motivational touch to his workouts.

After hitting the gym, JP heads to the clubhouse where his children can swim and he can squeeze in additional training. Setting up obstacle courses for his kids with resistance bands and agility poles, he ensures they engage in fun, yet beneficial, physical activities. His own routine involves sledge runs across the field, aimed at developing functional strength and powerful movement.

As JP wraps up his day, he extends his gratitude to the NOLA GOLD family for their continuous support. He looks forward to the upcoming season with enthusiasm, motivated by both his family’s happiness and his passion for rugby. In spending a day with JP du Plessis, it’s clear that his life is a harmonious blend of professional dedication and familial love. It’s this balance that not only makes him a formidable player on the field but also a devoted family man off of it.