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BREAKING: Injury forces two-time World Cup winner to retire

By Jan de Koning
Tuesday 11 Jul 2023

NEWS: Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn has announced his retirement - with immediate effect.

It ends all speculation about his chances to make a record fourth World Cup appearance for the Springboks.

In a post on his social media pages, Steyn announced that he is walking away, after having suffered a debilitating knee injury in the Cheetahs’ 32-7 Currie Cup win over the Bulls in Bloemfontein in March.

"It's been a tough few months coming to terms with saying goodbye to the game that has been my entire life," Steyn said in a statement posted on Instagram.

"In answer to the many questions I have faced since sustaining a knee injury earlier this year, I am hereby announcing my retirement from professional rugby.

"To be honest, this is not how I envisioned the journey ending. Every player wants to end on their own terms, but I am fortunate to have played this game for so long and [am] incredibly grateful for the journey I have had.

"I have given it my everything, and I have no regrets.

"I have a massive number of people to thank from all around the world for the support throughout the highs and lows of my career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, the friendship, the memories and lessons that rugby has given me.

"I look forward to the next chapter and the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me everything.

"Thank you for all the support. It has been a massive honour," he concluded.

Steyn played 78 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 165 points (including 11 tries).

The 36-year-old, who played vital roles for the Boks in the 2007 and 2019 World Cup victories, has made no secret of his desire to travel to France with the defending champions in September and October.

He became just the second South African player to win the World Cup twice, following Springbok great Pieter du Randt.

Like Du Randt, Steyn won his two tournaments 12 years apart, first lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2007 as a 20-year-old.

@king365ed

@rugby365com

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