Jannie du Plessis: Ten-month-old son of ex-Springbok dies in tragic accident
The 10-month-old son of Jannie du Plessis has drowned in a tragic accident on the same day the ex-Springbok prop celebrated his 39th birthday.
The incident happened at Du Plessis' home in the mining town of Krugersdorp near Johannesburg on Tuesday and has been confirmed by local police and Du Plessis' provincial side, the Lions.
Lions chief executive Rudolf Straeuli told Sport24: "I can confirm that this tragedy took place.
"We are all devastated."
Du Plessis won 70 caps for the Boks and was part of the squad that lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2007, alongside his brother, hooker Bismarck du Plessis.
Jannie played his last Test in 2015.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Test against England at Twickenham, South Africa number eight Duane Vermeulen said their former team-mate and his family were in the thoughts of the players.
"They will be on our minds and all our condolences to Jannie and his family back home," he said.
"It is a difficult time for them, but we will stand behind them and support them."
Du Plessis, a qualified doctor, and his wife Ronel have two other children, daughters Rosalie and Hele.
