Gio Giaan Aplon (born 6 October 1982) is a former South African rugby union player. In 2010 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. He is considered to be one of the first small wings in South Africa after the likes of Breyton Paulse. These players are the inspirations of guys like Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and many more.
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.
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.[citation needed]
