'Absolute legend': How SA fans bid farewell to Springbok great

Springbok supporters could not contain their emotions as one of rugby's most decorated stars called time on his career.

Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen officially retired after winning the World Cup for a second time in Paris last month.

The 37-year-old Vermeulen’s illustrious Springbok career spanned 76 Tests over 11 seasons and if it wasn’t for injuries, he would probably have racked up a century of appearances in the green and gold.

He started 68 of his Tests in the No.8 jersey, played three times at flank and five times off the bench, scoring three tries for South Africa.

Teh decision could not have been easy for the legend which is clear how much the world loves him.

South African UFC athlete Dricus Du Plessis was one of the prominent figures who took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey his gratitude to Vermeulen.

Du Plessis labelled Vermuelen as an 'absolute legend'.

Springbok Breyton Paulse was another star who paid respect to the 'Groot man'.