Gio Aplon

Gio Giaan Aplon (born 6 October 1982) is a South African rugby union player for Toyota Verblitz in the Top League in Japan. He scored two tries in a 42–17 triumph against the Six Nations winner – France. The match was also his debut playing as a South African winger number 14.

Gio Aplon
Full nameGio Giaan Aplon
Date of birth (1982-10-06) 6 October 1982
Place of birthHawston, South Africa
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Weight78 kg (12 st 4 lb; 172 lb)
SchoolHawston Secondary, Hawston
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback / Wing
Current team Blue Bulls
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2005–2013 Western Province 96 (174)
2007–2014 Stormers 84 (91)
2014–2017 Grenoble 62 (82)
2017–present Toyota Verblitz 24 (55)
Correct as of 2 February 2019
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006–2007 South Africa Sevens
2010–2012 South Africa (test) 17 (25)
2010 South Africa (tour) 1 (0)
Correct as of 21 March 2015

Career

Aplon is a winger who played for the Stormers. He also has had a very successful South African sevens career. He has blistering speed and is known as the "pocket dynamo". Playing with the Stormers gave him confidence. Even though he is small in stature, his speed and elusiveness causes the opposition much grief. He is known for his side steps and is a versatile backline player. Known affectionately by the nickname "Appels" (Afrikaans for Apples) by fans due to his surname, he has become a firm favourite amongst Bok supporters. During the Test in Cape Town against the French on 12 June 2010 he scored 2 tries and was named Man of the Match.

Aplon was part of the winning Western Province Currie Cup side in 2012.

On 13 May 2020, Aplon was announced as Jake White's first signing as the Blue Bulls coach.

Grenoble

Aplon signed a deal to join French side Grenoble after the 2014 Super Rugby season.[1]

Childhood

Aplon was born in Hawston, a small town to the east of Cape Town. Before he started playing rugby, he was in the cricket side for his school.

References
  1. "Aplon au revoir to Stormers". Sport24. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
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