Springbok forced into retirement: ‘I had to do this’

Former Springbok, Cheetahs and Stormers speedster Raymond Rhule has unfortunately been forced to call time on his career.

After weeks of speculation, French Top 14 club La Rochelle confirmed Rhule’s immediate retirement due to injury, drawing the curtain on a 13-year professional career.

After sustaining an Achilles heel injury back in August last year which ruled him out for five months. But Rhule’s has struggled to gain fitness which has in turn delayed his scheduled return to action this January. 

And now the Springbok’s worst nightmare has now been confirmed with medical professionals advising him to call it a day. 

Declared unfit for high-level sport, Rhule was “medically obliged to put an end to his career and his maritime adventure”, the club said in a statement.

“I had to do this. I haven’t really been on the pitch for two years,” said Rhule in a video released by his club. “I’m a competitor. For me, being in a team means making a difference. So it was better for me to say stop.”

RHULE’S CAREER SUMMARY: FROM GHANA TO SPRINGBOK 

The 32-year old Rhule was born in Ghana, but qualified for the Springboks once he obtain citizenship. 

He earned seven Test caps and scored five tries for South Africa in 2017 under former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee. 

Before becoming a Springbok, Rhule started his career at the Cheetahs in 2012, followed by a season at the Stormers in 2018. 

He then signed for French club Grenoble that same year before switching allegiance to La Rochelle two years later in 2020, where he won two European Champions Cup titles and spent the final years of career.

SEND RETIRING BOK RAYMOND RHULE A MESSAGE IN THE MOMENTS

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