Jack Kirifi celebrates son’s All Blacks journey, inspires next generation

Jack Kirifi says watching his son, Du’Plessis, become an All Black this year was special, but what truly inspires him is “the journey that he did to achieve that”.

Earlier this year, Sāmoan-Pālagi rising star Du’Plessis Kirifi realised his long-held dream when he was named in the All Blacks and made his debut against France in Dunedin.

The 28-year-old Hurricanes flanker and sometimes captain had been on the verge of selection for several seasons and even turned down a lucrative contract in Japan to chase the black jersey.

In his first game coming off the bench during the tight 31-27 win against France, two weeks later he was thrust into the starting side at openside flanker in Hamilton after Luke Jacobson’s late withdrawal.

Du’Plessis played the full 80 minutes and scored his first test try, helping the All Blacks secure a three-nil series victory.

Reflecting on his son’s achievement during an interview with Tuilagi William Leohai on Pacific Huddle, Jack Kirifi says he is no different from many parents who want the best for their children. He believes that unconditional love is a key part of their success.

Du'Plessis Kirifi on the field. Photo/Photosport/Peter Meecham

“Sometimes you scratch your head and pull your hair because of their conduct or behaviour, but in our hearts as parents, we believe in what we do and we want our kids to be better than us,” he says.

Jack and his wife have five children, two girls and three boys. He says the amazing thing about Du’Plessis’ journey is his “never say die” attitude, confidence, tenacity, and hard work. He says that when Du’Plessis sets a goal, he never gives up on it, no matter how long it takes.

“He's one of the hardest trainers I've ever known. His discipline and strong fighting spirit to get back up again. He wants to be the best in anything he does. We're so pleased. While he's an All Black now, the thing that pleases my Mum and our family the most, is his journey to achieve that.”

Jack Kirifi and his wife embrace their son, Du'Plessis Kirifi. Photo/Photosport/Peter Meecham

Jack encourages young players to look to Du’Plessies’ story for inspiration. “If he can do it, you can do it, but it takes a lot of sacrifices and commitment and hard work.”

Jack, who played alongside legends like Sir Bryan Williams at Ponsonby after leaving Saint Paul’s College, remembers being shocked to share the field with one of his childhood heroes.

Those early experiences shaped his philosophy of service, which continues to guide him in coaching and mentoring Pasifika youth in Taranaki.

Listen to Jack Kirifi's full interview below.

As a coach at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Jack says his role is to remind Pasifika students of who they are. He references a popular Sāmoan proverb: “O le ala i le pule o le tautua”, or, “the pathway to leadership is through service”.

“Growing up in my lovely village, Iva on Savai’i, I was all about connecting with the community and I suppose that never left me. When I started my career at Ponsonby, it was all about helping people. I remember arriving here, we lacked a little bit of community connection at that time, I could be wrong, but that's how I felt.

“So looking back through those lenses, I really want to do my best to help any Pasifika young player or any family that arrives in New Zealand. To make sure they settle and they know, they know the lay of the land because it was hard when I arrived. That’s what keeps me going, to help our people.”