Jean de Villiers has retired from international rugby after suffering a broken jaw in the Rugby World Cup win over Samoa.
The 34-year-old, who is the second most capped Springbok captain of all time, was forced off during Saturday's 46-6 Pool B victory and decided to retire after he was ruled out of the tournament with the injury.
He skippered the Boks 37 times, with last weekend's shock defeat against Japan proving the lowest point of his spell, but De Villiers remains confident that his side can still mount a challenge for the trophy in his absence.
Speaking on South Africa's official website, De Villiers said: "When I got injured yesterday and I left the field, I knew that I had played my last Test for South Africa.
"Injuries are part of rugby and I've had my fair share, so by now I know how to cope with them. It's very sad, but life goes on - I need to take it all in and move forward.
"The last time I got injured in a World Cup match and had to go home, was in 2007, also against Samoa, and that finished well for the Boks, so hopefully it will happen again.
"Having played for South Africa for 13 years, I've been fortunate to experience so many great things and I got to know so many good friends, but you never think it would end like this.
"It has happened now and I'll be eternally grateful for the time I've had in the Springbok jersey. I would like to wish the team all the very best and as a former Springbok, I'm now their No 1 supporter.
"They still have a massive game this weekend, and I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, but rather to focus on the task at hand against Scotland."
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to his former skipper, who will fly back to
South Africa on Monday for further treatment and possible surgery.
"Jean is a true ambassador for South Africa and a person everyone in our country can be immensely proud of," said Meyer.
"The way in which he never gave up fighting to overcome his last serious knee injury reminded me again how much if a warrior he is and how highly he regarded the Springbok jersey.
"He will go down as one of the greatest Springboks ever and in my eyes he is probably one of the best captains in the history of world rugby, who always put the team first and gave his time for any player, young or old without ever changing who he is."
No comments:
Post a Comment