Springbok set for premature retirement

Once derided for some of his struggles on the international stage, former Springbok wing Raymond Rhule revitalised his career at French club La Rochelle, playing an important role as they secured consecutive Champions Cup titles (2022 and 2023).

The dynamic wing, who earned all seven of his Bok caps in 2017, ruptured his Achilles tendon during pre-season training in August 2023 and has suffered ongoing struggles ever since.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the 32-year-old now looks set to be forced into retirement, having last played a competitive match against Castres in April 2024.

Could another World Cup-winning Springbok also retire prematurely?

Towards the end of last year, concerning reports emerged to suggest that Springbok veteran Steven Kitshoff might have to hang up his boots due to a serious knee injury.

After undergoing a major neck fusion surgery, which lasted over six hours, it has left his career hanging in the balance.

Interestingly, though, the Stormers listed the celebrated prop as one of the players set to return from injury this year, and he has also expressed a desire to make a remarkable comeback.

Speaking to Rapport newspaper, Kitshoff said, “It was just another scrum, then three cracking noises – pop, pop, pop.”

“I kept playing, thinking it was a pulled muscle. But now I know I was two millimetres away from catastrophe, from death.

“The first thing the specialist said to me was ‘listen, you’re lucky we didn’t bury you in a week’ because the vertebra that shifted is so close to my brain canal,” he added.

“Without the operation, I’d never play rugby again. If my neck holds up, I’m going for it. If I have to retire, I’ll be satisfied but I’m not done yet. I’ve always been a warrior for my team.

“Rugby is a dangerous sport, but I’ll give my all because I’m fighting for my team.”

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS LATEST NEWS?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news and views.